College Point, NY Trumpet Lessons

Beginners: posture, breathing techniques, embouchure, sound production, articulation, phrasing, note reading
Intermediate: interpretation of different styles, dynamics, ensemble performance, building solid technique and stamina
Advanced: studying of orchestra excerpts, solo pieces, study of various concert and chamber music compositions

The key to this instrument is its simplicity! Learn to have unlimited technique to play any style.

Everyone is unique (physically, mentally), and we all will play the trumpet our own way and for different reasons. Whether you want to learn how to build endurance, craft a beautiful tone, improvise or interpret classical works, you've come to the right place. I will cater what we work on to YOUR individual curiosity, interests, personal goals, and to how you naturally play the the trumpet. I will help you to discover your own voice on the trumpet, and at the same time make sure you develop great technique and musical ability. You will learn to control what and how you play, and grow as a musician!

Improve your ability and learn a multitude of ways to improve technique, sound, range, proper breath control, endurance or just learn what a trumpet is!

35 + yrs playing/teaching experience
Classical to Jazz
Fun mixed with work

The trumpet is a colorful and exciting instrument played in many styles of music throughout the world, from jazz and classical to funk and soul to reggae, afro-beat, and Balkan music. In addition to covering the basic technical requirements of the instrument, I'm particularly interested in the many genres in which the trumpet can be found, and I like to focus on the styles of music that most interest and challenge my students. I have been playing trumpet for more than 18 years, and I teach my students valuable brass exercises based on lessons I learned under the tutelage of John McNeil, Laurie Frink, and Walter White. I encourage the use of long tones, air support, and trumpet calisthenics to improve tone, increase range and endurance, and work towards greater flexibility.

I possess more than 10 years of progressive experience in music education. My professional history includes positions such as president/instructor at Rockville Centre Music as well as classical guitar instructor at Long Island Conservatory.
Most recently, my responsibilities as owner at Rockville Centre Music match the qualifications you are seeking. As the Owner, my responsibilities included preparing schedules, creating lesson plans, and working with special needs children.

Experienced music teacher of 7 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! While clarinet is my primary instrument I have a special attachment to the trumpet. My original clarinet teacher was in fact a trumpet player and is currently a section leader for one of the United States Air Force Bands. I have also given private lessons to 4 trumpet players - some of whom have gone on to do very well at the high school level.

As a trumpet player with experience in a wide variety styles, I have performed in a number of prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. I have studied with Billy Hunter (Principal Trumpet, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) at the Manhattan School of Music. Previously, I attended the Crane School of Music to receive my B.M. in Trumpet Performance, where I studied with Dr. John Ellis. I am also an active performer, having performed with the MSM Chamber Sinfonia, MSM Brass Ensemble, Orchestra of Northern New York, Crane Symphony Orchestra, Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet, Northern Symphonic Winds, Crane Wind Ensemble, Crane Latin Ensemble, and Crane Brass Ensemble, among others. As a private trumpet teacher, I have helped students prepare for performances, such as the NYSSMA solo festival, where they have received high marks.

Improving one's skills in any area is exhilarating and rewarding, and it happens most quickly when the lessons and homework are paced just right for the student's level. As a teacher, I try to balance time spent on technique and foundation with time on creative, right-brained musical play.

Besides teaching instrument playing techniques, music theory, and improvising, I also spend time in lessons helping students find their own best practice. I believe it is possible to help students find a level of flow that is unparalleled when they condition themselves to practice with deep presence and awareness of their own state.

It brings me great joy to facilitate the incredible feeling of exhilaration that accompanies improving your music skills.