Trumpet with Brendan L.

Brendan L. is a freelance trumpeter and composer in the Bay Area who performs with many well-known groups ranging in a variety of styles, from jazz to afrofunk to free jazz and everything in between. He has been teaching students of all ages privately for the last five years in both the private studio setting as well as in art academies in the Bay Area. Brendan studied jazz improvisation and composition under Myra Melford at UC Berkeley (c/o 2012). He has studied trumpet privately with Darren Johnston, John Worley, Ellen Seeling, and Jason Park. *** Lesson Details *** I like to first learn what a student's goals are with their trumpet playing and music in general, regardless of their level of experience. My lesson plans usually develop around trying to accomplish these goals, whether it is general improvement or a specific aspect of their playing. I specialize in trumpet/brass technique and jazz improvisation.I usually assign a number of exercises and warm-up routines for a student to practice in the time in between lessons, and I'm always sure to demonstrate and run through an exercises with a student before assigning it for practice. Students are expected to have practiced the assigned material and come prepared to play it at the next lesson. Most students can expect improvement in their playing after a few weeks of lessons and guided practice.  I also like to learn what sort of music a student is interested in, both what they like to play and what they like to listen to. I often suggest music for my students to listen to in order learn and absorb from practitioners of the musical idiom that interests them. *** Studio Equipment *** I am able to provide music stands, music books, manuscript paper, metronome, etc. I expect my students to provide their instruments with mouthpiece, any necessary trumpet accessories (valve oil, slide grease), and occasionally to purchase a music book if we work out of it regularly and I assign exercises from it where I may need to write notes in the book. *** Travel Equipment *** I am able to provide music stands, music books, manuscript paper, metronome, etc. I expect my students to provide their instruments with mouthpiece, any necessary trumpet accessories (valve oil, slide grease), and occasionally to purchase a music book if we work out of it regularly and I assign exercises from it where I may need to write notes in the book. *** Specialties *** Trumpet and Brass Technique, Jazz Improvisation and Theory, Music Theory, Embouchure Development, Sight-Reading, Trumpet Performance, Composition