Trumpet Lessons in Squirrel Hill North. Amazing Teachers.

With an emphasis on jazz and improvisation, my goal is to provide insight along your musical path. Here some of the topics we may explore:

Trumpet technique - We'll build custom exercises, some focusing on your strengths, others challenging the edge of your abilities. Rather than looking at practice as "warming up", we'll shift our mindset to "trumpet calisthenics" (inspired by Laurie Frink).

Jazz - We'll define jazz chords and learn how to play the notes in (and around!) them. We'll find melodies to flow from one chord to the next. We'll also discuss forms and listen to rich recordings of the jazz masters.

Free Playing - This is when we can let go of the analytic mind and simply make sound. We can direct our attention to non harmonic concepts like emotions, shapes, textures, and images. Sometimes I'll put a drone on during this segment or we'll play call and response ideas.

Focus on correct technique and myriad method approaches along with professional level achievement for recording and performance.

I am a very passionate musician and love to help people overcome musical obstacles with patient, intelligent and efficient learning. I value quality over quantity!

I like to meet students where they are in their musical journey and help them reach their goals. I let the student set their own pace for mastering new skills and work in the learning style that helps them obtain the most benefit from the lessons. I think leaning music should be fun and encouragement is key

I have been teaching band for over ten years in public and private schools, specializing in trumpet, saxophone and trombone, but able to teach beginning and intermediate clarinet, baritone/euphonium, and percussion as well.

I love what I do! Music is a gift and something we can all enjoy as long as we live! Whether you are a band student in middle or high school looking to improve your skills outside of the classroom or someone who has never played an instrument before (No matter your age) but always wanted (It's never too late!), all are welcome. Let's work together to help you reach your musical goals!

I believe that it is very important to have a good musical foundation in addition to playing the trumpet. We will go over aspects of music theory such as scales and key signatures. We will go over the fundamentals of playing trumpet and use exercises from various different method books. We will also go in depth into any styles that you are interested in. I will ask you to listen to recordings of great trumpet players so you can model their sound. Lessons will be rewarding and fun!