Trumpet Lessons in Hell's Kitchen. Amazing Teachers.

As a trumpeter, my skills vary from technique, jazz improvisation, lead trumpet playing, to classical playing. I was a member of the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra in 2018, a jazz band consisting of musicians selected from across the United States. With this band I traveled to Japan and performed in the Monterey Jazz Festival in California. I have also toured Europe on several other occasions playing festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Umbria Jazz Festival with the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra. Here in the States I have played at venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Birdland, Chris’s Jazz Café in Philly, The Kennedy Center, and more.

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.

Online Special ! 15 minutes extra time for students who book online at no extra cost.
//clinician, professional trumpet player & maker// Over the past 26 years I developed my own technique and teaching methodology how to play brass instruments the most efficient way.

The lip is the sound source which creates a standing airwave within the instrument and the trumpet functions as a filter and amplifier.

I also developed a special tongue technique which requires less movement when phrasing notes ( single, double and triple tongue) and therefore is faster, requires less effort, is very versatile, usable in any style of music and is much more accurate in hitting the notes.

If you understand these two aspects and are able to implement them you perform better with practicing less.

I cover all aspects of trumpet playing ( technique, breathing, posture, embochoure, equipment, phrasing, sight reading, improvisation, high range, endurance, sound quality, repertoire etc.).

I'm ...

I’m a part time band director with plenty of time on my hands with no school in my district. I’m passionate about the trumpet and know what it take to grow not just in playing the trumpet, but to grow as a musician as well.

My lessons create a fun and motivational learning environment that promotes goal setting, good habits, positive self esteem based on tangible accomplishments, and an appreciation for the rewards of diligence and perseverance.

My services include music lessons in trumpet, jazz improvisation, music theory, jazz theory, and audition preparation.

I am currently the Principal Trumpeter in the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Grant Park Summer Music Festival Orchestra, Principal Trumpet with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, and former Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. I have performed with the Chicago Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony.

I Hold a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and I am a certified band director with 5 years band directing experience.

I particularly enjoy audition coaching, having won three international symphony orchestra auditions myself. My students have jobs ...

I have worked with adults and children, with beginners, and with more experienced players looking for a push or a new direction. I have developed many different teaching methods based on what each of my students wants to get out of lessons. The heart of most lessons I teach is learning to play or understand songs. Usually, I rely on my students to select the songs they wish to study, which I then transcribe to make personal arrangements fitted to their abilities. Of course, I will suggest or recommend songs at times. I also supply relevant exercises and music theory to accelerate the learning process.