Music Theory with Alaina A.

I currently play trombone with the West Point Concert Band and am also an active freelance trombonist and euphoniumist in the New York, tri-state area. On any given day I could be performing various genres of music including orchestral, jazz, chamber, rock, funk and hip-hop/R&B. My career has led me to perform with various ensembles in prestigious halls around the country such as Carnegie Hall, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA. Working as a musician has also given me the opportunity to travel the world as a performer. Most recently I went on tour throughout China with the Manhattan Symphonie this past December. In addition to my career as a performer, I am an active educator. I teach private lessons as well as conducting master classes for groups in schools. In the past past I have worked as a teaching artist for the Phil Ramone Orchestra for Children, where I taught group trombone and music theory lessons. I fell in love with music at the age of five when I began taking piano lessons. I began studying trombone and Euphonium at the age of 10. In 2002 I was accepted to the University of Michigan as a double major in trombone and euphonium performance where I studied with David Jackson and Fritz Kaenzig. I graduated from the Manhattan School of music in 2010 where I received my masters in trombone performance, studying with Stephen Norrell. I have been teaching private trombone, euphonium, and tuba lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, as well as piano lessons at the beginner level for eight years. I look forward to working with you to help develop your own special musical voice. With my experience as a teacher and performer, I have confidence that I can help you achieve your personal musical goals, whether you are just starting out, trying to pursue music as a career, and everything in between. I have been lucky to have studied with many great teachers throughout my life and am excited to share all the knowledge I have gained from them with you. *** Lesson Details *** As a teacher I am understanding and patient, but do expect that students put in a fair amount of effort into their preparation at home and during the lesson. I believe that honesty and trust on the behalf of both teacher and student is key to building a great teacher/student relationship and to the progress of the student. I realize that everyone has a lot on their plates and therefore your lesson preparation may suffer from time to time. However I do expect that you generally show up ready and eager to learn. I will always do my very best to be 100% prepared as well to teach. Students come to me at all different skill levels and with different interests and goals in mind, so each lesson is designed to help that individual student reach his or her personal goal. Everyone learns a bit differently so my methods may vary depending on how you best learn. I emphasize fundamentals with all of my students. It is so important for brass players to develop good habits early on. We will work on different exercises to address tone production, proper breathing, flexibility, articulation etc. Every lesson will begin with a warm up that will incorporate these different fundamentals. Playing a brass instrument is very similar to being an athlete. You always stretch before going for a long run, so you always warm up before diving into your repertoire! I like for the students to have a say in what music they learn. I want you to learn music that you are passionate about. Therefore, music will be picked based on your interests and your skill level. *** Studio Equipment *** The Studio location is at her apartment in upper Manhattan. The lessons are taught in the living room or office with a keyboard and some music is provided. You must provide your own trombone, euphonium or tuba and may need to purchase some music. Seating is also available. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide some music. I expect the student to provide a piano or trombone, euphonium or tuba and may require them to purchase some method books. *** Specialties *** I teach all low brass instruments to students of all ages. I specialize in teaching classical and jazz.