Vocal Training with Rhys T.

I am a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and music educator, committed to using a fun and individualized approach to guide each of my private students on their path of musical discovery and success, according to their passion and personal vision. My approach to private lessons is informed by a variety of disciplines. As a professional trumpeter, I have performed internationally (Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Argentina) in a variety of musical settings (including classical, jazz, and pop) and I received my BA from NYU Steinhardt for Jazz Performance, where I took extensive training in music theory and composition. As a bandleader, I led a two-year residency playing jazz standards at a landmark NYC restaurant. I recorded and produced an album with my progressive indie/jazz quartet in January 2014 with ongoing performances in NYC venues that feature my skills as a composer, songwriter, and vocalist. As a teaching artist, for two years I've gone to NYC schools to teach an innovative approach to music improvisation and collaborative songwriting, and for one year I've worked as NYC Regional Director of an international music education nonprofit, overseeing program and curriculum development. Trained and certified through Integral Yoga Institute as a yoga instructor, I truly believe that easeful body movement, refined breathing ability, and cultivated mindful awareness are essential elements of instrumental and vocal technique and for maintaining a sense of purpose and passion while learning. I integrate each of these elements in a combination that suits the personality and goals of my private students. Brass fundamentals will include breathing technique, articulation, flexibility, tone quality, and the music theory necessary to progress with scales and harmony. General music and classical students will work with filling chosen repertoire with expressive phrasing, and they will take inspiration from listening to recordings. Jazz and improvisation students will incorporate suggested listening for gaining knowledge of essential repertoire, will work on transcribing solos, and may work with given improvisation "game" prompts that bring them into a realm of playful, open improvisation. I will record each lesson and email it to the student so that they may review points hit during the lesson. It is also highly encouraged for students to record themselves during practice sessions, so they can get an 'objective' ear on their own progress in a session. The ongoing process I enjoy as an evolving performer was born from the guidance and encouragement of great teachers. Equipped to work with students of all ages, I'm overjoyed to offer guidance to students as they begin or develop their musical journey.