Lesson Details
Trumpet
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tom teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- May 2002
My goal is to provide insight along your musical path. In addition to preparing for performances and auditions, I encourage spending time on your favorite songs, and enjoy learning with them with you (often by transcribing the material). I also recommend a structured daily trumpet routine, one that grows as you develop.
Bio-
Tom Gershwin is a bandleader, trumpeter, and composer based in Denver, Colorado.
In 2015, Tom was selected to be in KUVO’s 30 under 30 series, which featured young musicians contributing to the jazz scene in Colorado.
Tom has recorded two full length jazz albums: “Sweet Pastimes”, a duo project featuring classic standards, and “Live at Mighty Fine”, a quintet performing collaborative compositions and improvisations. Tom's current six piece group has been featured at Nocturne, the Five Points Jazz Festival, the Estes Park Jazz Festival, and Dazzle Jazz.
As a freelance trumpeter, Tom has performed and/or recorded with The Temptations, John Batiste, Father John Misty, Chris Potter, One Republic, DeVotchKa, Leftover Salmon, Juno winner Jayme Stone, and Portugal. The Man at venues including Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Blue Note, and City Park Jazz.
Tom has been a faculty member of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA) since 2016.
Tom’s professional career began in the United States Army Band, where he performed for 3 years across the Pacific Northwest and Japan. He was promoted to sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. He received his jazz performance degrees from CU Boulder (undergraduate) and NYU (master’s). At NYU, Tom also served as an adjunct faculty member of the Jazz Department.
*** Lesson Details ***
I will guide you to your goals. I write my own materials for each student's individual goals. If you want to learn a song and I don't know it, I will learn the song with you, sharing the process. After several months of study, you will have an understanding of not only what to practice, but how and why to practice.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/piano, trumpet, and optional seating for parents
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music, accessories (tuner, metronome, portable speakers), and books. I can bring an extra trumpet for beginners.
*** Specialties ***
Trumpet- Caruso Method, breathing exercises, and other mechanics depending on student level.
Improvisation- Theory, ear training, free play, jazz standards.
Experience
Adjunct Faculty
Aug 2011 - May 2012Trumpet
Jun 2007 - Dec 2008Education
Masters in Jazz Performance
Aug 2010 - May 2012BM Jazz Studies
Aug 2006 - May 2010Music
Sep 2003 - Feb 2004Languages
English
Certifications
Field Sanitaion
Jul 2005Field Sanitation
Jun 2005I learned to keep latrines a safe distance from water sources.
Awards
Summa Cum Laude
May 2010Army Commendation Letter
Jun 2006Photos & Videos
10 Reviews
Write a ReviewTom has been a very knowledgeable and patient instructor for my son. We appreciate him.
My son had his first lesson yesterday and really enjoyed it. He can't wait to start practicing.
Tom is an amazing person, super patient and positive. My 13 year old wants to join his school band next year so we were lucky to find Tom. He’s in a great location and easy to get to.
Tom has really helped me refine my playing. He is easy to work with and very thorough.
Tom was AWESOME! I had a heck of a time finding someone who actually teaches Bugle. I have only had one lesson with Tom however, I am very excited to continue with him. Tom did not rush anything, he didnt watch the clock, he actually wanted to do more playing than talking about this form, music theory etc. etc. I had experienced with other Teachers. Everyone wants to start playing "something" as soon as possible and Tom dove right in to playing or trying to get me to play, HaHa in just the first 20min.
+ Read MoreThomas is very patient and positive. I have advanced a lot in a short time under his guidance.
Thomas is a kind and patient teacher for our son. This is our first experience with music lessons with our child, and so far we are very pleased with the experience. We look forward to learning and growing with Thomas as our instructor.
Tom is very patient and encouraging with my daughter. We have found him to be a great teacher.
I've had many teachers in the past who only taught me how to perform well with the emphasis on technicality and repeptition; however, Tom created space for me to appreciate each and every bar rather than focusing on finishing a song. As a student who has become well-adjusted to structure, I learned the beauty of improvisation informed by theory through Tom. He is attentive, passionate, and always makes sure I got the concept he's teaching. He has a rare gift of creating such an intimate, peaceful environment where I can feel at ease and really thrive in playing music. It was in these calm moments my passion for jazz sparked more and more. I'm truly thankful to have had Tom as my mentor/teacher.
-JL, student at NYU. May 2012