Trombone with Alex M.

Hi, thanks for checking out my profile! I've been teaching trombone for about 7 years and I'm always eager to take on more students. I've received a Bachelor's of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory ('17), a Master's of Music degree from University of Southern California ('19), and I'm currently working on a Doctorate in Musical Arts degree from University of Southern California. I've learned to play in a wide variety of styles over the years, including orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, funk, pop, you name it! MY EXPERIENCE I have worked with students at all levels, from creating their first notes on the instrument to preparing for honor band and college auditions. During my bachelor's degree at Oberlin Conservatory, I taught secondary students and worked with high schoolers in Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra. After moving to CA for my graduate work, I've become involved with the USC Thornton Community Engagement Program to teach several different classes for age groups ranging from kindergarten to high school. I'm currently teaching remote online trombone sectionals for multiple beginner band classes at high schools in the LA region. My academic field for my doctorate at USC is in Music Teaching and Learning, and I bring this background into my interactions with students. I have done research on the psychological foundations of music teaching and learning and I have also written extensively about my personal philosophies as an educator. MY METHOD I'm a firm believer that we learn by relating new information to what we already know. This means that I meet every student where they are at and I teach each student differently according to their strengths and musical goals. I also believe that music making should be a fun and gratifying experience! Music has brought me great joy in my life and I hope to foster the same kind of joy when I teach. I like to push my students to reach their potential, emphasizing positivity while keeping my lessons challenging and engaging. We'll work on refining fundamentals of producing sound, but we'll also work on finding YOUR unique expressive voice.