Clinton, MD Trumpet Lessons

A fuller sound, higher range, more facility and ease when playing. My goal is to introduce concepts of practice that would have you improve quickly.

Trumpet is my specialty; I've been playing it my entire life. Whether you're a beginner, an advanced player or a professional, I can help you take your playing further.

I equally cover fundamentals, technique, tone production, classical, jazz and anything else the student might be interested in.

I started playing trumpet at the age of 6. I have toured with the USAO Showband and sat in with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Most important to me is the accomplishments of my students. Multiple selections for honor bands and most recently one of my students was selected for a summer tour of the southeast US.

I've been studying trumpet for 15 years, and I'm eager to work with students of all ages. I will give students a firm foundation in trumpet fundamentals, while also focusing on what the student would like to learn. I specialize in jazz and contemporary music, though I am also trained in classical music.

All students will be expected to play from a variety of repertoire and methods in many different styles of music based on their level of playing.Outside of playing the instrument students will learn breathing exercises and will be expected to be actively listening to professional recordings. I hold my students to a high standard and expect them to always play at their best.

I have over 10 years teaching experience from beginner through professional level. I have had the privilege of studying with some of the top trumpet instructors in the world and want to share my knowledge and experience with my students. My mission as a teacher is to inspire students to learn the art of the trumpet through a growth and goal oriented approach. I encourage my students to think critically and reflect frequently on their own playing as well as the musical meaning of their pieces. Whether the student is preparing for All-State auditions, college auditions, solo and ensemble, is having chop problems, needs and embouchure change, or just starting out and wants to learn good habits and skills, I can help along the way.

I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.
Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.
Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.
In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s ...

My lessons are generally filled with laughter and learning! Students first learn the fundamentals and basics level, then begin to build on their repertoire according to "their" musical interest!

I'm here to develop musicianship, technical proficiency, ear training, and theory!