Edmond, OK Trumpet Lessons

eel successful. All technique is based on real music. Learning scales, keys and music theory become part of the music. By the end of 6 months, we will have a "repertoire" of several songs that express our best self!

der Paul Finkbeiner, the lead trumpet player for the Paul Keller Ensemble.

Then at the age of 11, with the help of his grandfather he discovered the guitar. He learned quickly on his old SR guitar. He quickly discovered that he had a natural taste for blues phrasing, and his soloing abilities quickly blossomed. 2 years later, he had formed his first band, Spherical. It was through this band that he found the bass.

His journey into the realm of bass, began out of necessity and progressed into love of the bottom end. Since then, he has been collecting basses, playing, living and breathing bass. He now realizes the importance of a funky beat, a subtle line and most important of all A Tight Groove!!!

The benefit of studying under someone with a vast array of both talent and experience is clear.

*** Lesson Details ***
During his musical career Nicholas has played almost every style of music; from folk to experimental from jazz to rock. One thread holds true through all music, it has to groove.
During the course of a lesson he will cover a broad range of topics starting from the basics, and moving into ear training, sight-reading, theoretical knowledge and most important for bass players, groove. Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so to does every lesson that Nicholas gives.
In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home: lessons in dedicated music room with piano and stereo, guitars/basses, cables/amps

*** Specialties ***
Jazz Studies major at Wayne State University. Has a firm understanding of music across both the classical and jazz idioms spanning multiple instruments.

1st place in the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, finalist in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, recipient of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, selected-participant at the Banff International Summer Intensive Program in Jazz and Creative Music, selected-participant at the School of Improvisational Music Summer Intensive Program, as well as recipient of 5 Semi-Finalist selections and 1 finalist/honorable-mention selection in the International Songwriting Competition.

As an educator, I have taught all-level/all-age group music playing and appreciation courses for several New York-based organizations: The Afro-Latin Jazz Academy, The Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York, New York Ensemble Classes, the Lyceum Kennedy International School, Jubilee Enrichment Programs, and The New York Jazz Academy. I have also completed 6 semesters of service as a Graduate Part-Time Instructor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I taught multiple playing ensembles as well as three semesters of a 100+ student History of Jazz lecture class for non-majors.

I have also been practicing various forms of fitness, meditation and Yoga for the past 5 years. My studies span the gamut of psychology, philosophy, calisthenics, Astral Projection, Reiki, Vipassana Meditation, Visualization, and much more. I believe and live by the idea that creativity is an energy that flows through us, and one's creative abilities can be improved and expanded, through the emotional body, which is influenced by one's perceptions. Throughout my training in music, the arts, as well as my physical, mental and spiritual pursuits, I have realized that discipline, creative flow, and love for what one is and what one does can come together and yield great fulfillment and sense of purpose.

I teach out of a my home apartment studio on the upper east side, complete with weighted 88-key digital piano, Bose high quality speakers, recording equipment, as well as musical media, and tablature spanning many musical genres, cultures and time periods. I also am equipped with a spacious floor space for Yoga, Pilates, Weight Lifting, Meditation, and more. Additionally, I am able to travel to any location within the five boroughs for an additional travel fee (TBD based on location).

While I specialize in the following broad areas of musical study, my specialties are not limited to: General Music, Composition, Arranging, Ear Training, Music History (includes classical, jazz, and world musics), Music Theory, Sight Singing, and Songwriting. I also specialize in the following instruments: Trumpet, flugelhorn, and Piano/Keyboards.

I look forward to helping you realize your potential!

several times. Justin was also a part of the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, playing lead and the solo chair. He has performed nationwide and has had the opportunity to perform in clubs such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Birdland, Smoke, FatCat, Cleopatras Needle, Starland Ballroom, Highline Ballroom and Symphony Space. Justin has also toured with the International Vans Warped Tour all over the country and in parts of Canada. He has worked with people such as John Pattitucci, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Charles McPherson, Arturo O'Farril, John Pizzarelli, Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider, Eddie Palmieri, Peter Erskine, Brian Lynch, Luis Bonilla, Jason Rigby, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Joe Magnarelli, Pete Mcguinness and Mike Holober.

ian. She wants you to be able to pursue any avenue of Music that appeals to you, professionally or personally.

semble, New School Afro-Cuban Orchestra, CCPA Jazz Orchestra at Jazz showcase in Chicago, Lincoln center, Aron Davis Hall,john Beasley at Harlem Stage, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Bronx Music Heritage Center.

I also got 1st prize of Brass Quintet at Instrumental Competition in Korea, and winning for the prestigious 41st annual Downbeat Magazine for Best Latin Jazz Group.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!

verse. Loving so many styles of music, I played professionally such diverse things as salsa piano, folk guitar, jazz bass, and funk drumming. I also love teaching and have developed curricula for several schools as well as guest-taught at numerous universities and conferences.

career highlights:
-international touring with multiple artists and bands, 45 countries
-record producer with 100+ projects and developed producer curriculum for audio trade school
-conference speaker and guest university instructor all over the world teaching music and creativity
-skill on multiple instruments and styles as well as extensive experience in the world of audio and teaching music theory

teaching highlights:
I traveled quite a bit as a guest teacher/speaker, so an exhaustive list is not practical. Some highlights include:

-Oral Roberts University - Tulsa (8 years in multiple roles)
-Southeastern University - Florida
-MediaTech Institute - Texas
-LPI Hernhutt - Germany (3 months)
-Created to Worship - England (2 years)
-and of course, numerous conferences, clinics, workshops all over the place

I've been asked numerous times "how many instruments do you play?" Well, I can get around on most anything. However, I don't play anything bowed (like violin or cello) nor the steel guitar. The instruments I teach are those I have the most background and have played professionally with.

Please contact me if you have any questions, I would love to talk with you!