Teaches online
Teaches Beginner
Age: 9-85
Speaks English
Teaching since 2003
Masters Jazz Studies (Performance)
About James B.
5.0
(6)
Hi there, My name is James Blackwell and I love trumpet playing!
While it can be frustrating from time to time - especially before developing your confidence as a trumpet player - learning what it takes to make daily progress as a trumpet player is incredibly rewarding and super fun! I am passionate about sharing these insights with students so that you may discover your sound and play the music you enjoy as quickly as possible!
As an instructor, you can expect lessons that are practical, straight-forward and easy to understand. The concepts that I impart on my students are those that have helped me survive a career as a full-time lead trumpet player and the challenges associated with performing every day.
My approach is to learn and develop the basic fundamentals of efficient brass playing. When you get your habits straight, the rest comes easily. Unfortunately, many students fall into some not-so-helpful habits along the way, and may find themselves struggling with range, quality of sound and endurance - even after many years of playing. However, with some simple and encouraging guidance, you can learn to master the instrument and the the music you enjoy!
All lessons offer both clear explanations and laid-out progressions that start where you are, and get you moving in the right direction from the start.
I do hope to see you for a lesson. All age groups are welcome to apply and I love teaching beginners. If you have particular needs you are wondering about, please send along a message and I will respond as soon as possible.
A bit about me...I began playing 23 years ago and hold two degrees in jazz trumpet performance - one from the University of North Texas where I played lead trumpet in the GRAMMY nominated One O'clock Lab Band, and another from the University of Southern California. During this time, I spent nine years in Los Angeles as a professional trumpet player recording for television, record dates and many types of live performances from the theater pit to the 10,000 seat rock show.
I am currently the lead trumpet player for the Brian Setzer Orchestra (of The Stray Cats fame) and have held that position since 2012. Aside from this, I love jazz, improvisation, and the big band style - everything from the early swing era to the contemporary writers of today is my music of choice!
As a lead and jazz trumpet player I have performed with Bob Mintzer, Carl Saunders, Scott Whitfield, Rich Perry, Willis (Bill) Holman, Ron Stout, Peter Erskine, Poncho Sanchez and many others.
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Chambers St
Student's Home
Teaching Hours
Monday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Tuesday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Wednesday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Thursday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Friday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Sunday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$50
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5.0
6 Reviews
Morgan
Online
James is one of the most qualified teachers on the planet... I’ve had the pleasure of learning from his YouTube channel for several years and subscribe to his email list... so much to learn from this man—I especially love his concept of “the skill of chill”.
Posted Jul 3, 2019
Tim
James and I worked together on various live gigs and recording sessions over the course of about 9 years. Over those years, watching him form his concept and approach to both trumpet playing and improvisation has been quite inspiring for me. He emphasizes focus and being able execute all things with ease and precision. To me these are the hallmarks of building a well rounded musician. Whether you want to take your trumpet playing to next level, or just learn a thing or two, James is your guy.
Posted May 27, 2019
Jordan M.
James is awesome! I had the pleasure of touring with him in the Brian Setzer Orchestra in November and December of 2019. I played trombone and got to hear that fantastic trumpet section every night, lead by Mr. Blackwell. A calm and consistent force. Super clean and swingin lead trumpet. Also, a thoughtful guy and a problem solver. Anyone looking for online trumpet lessons I would refer them to James Blackwell.
Posted May 25, 2019
Experience
Featured Soloist
Feb, 2014 - PresentTheme song to Amazon's hit show, "Bosch"
Split Lead-Trumpet
Feb, 2014 - Sep, 2018Bill Holman Big Band
Lead Trumpet
Nov, 2012 - PresentThe Brian Setzer Orchestra (of the Stray Cats)
Education
Jazz Studies (Performance)
Sep, 2003 - May, 2009The University of North Texas
Masters Jazz Studies (Performance)
Sep, 2009 - May, 2011University of Southern California
Awards
GRAMMY Nomination
Feb, 2010The University of North Texas' "Lab -09"
GRAMMY Nomination
Feb, 2017Bob Mintzer All-LA big Band
GRAMMY AWARD
Feb, 2016Clare Fischer Big Band record "Ritmo!"
Languages
English
Native Proficiency
James Gallery
Instructor details
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Chambers St
Student's Home
Teaching Hours
Monday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Tuesday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Wednesday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Thursday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Friday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Sunday
10 AM-7:30 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$50
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