Highlands Music Lessons

when they feel frustrated. Students' interests will be taken into consideration for the pieces chosen and the style of lessons given. Teaching has always been my passion. I get to know the personality of my students so we can work together to bring out the musical talent in each of them. Student recital is held at least once every year. I encourage all students to participate in the recital.

*** Studio Equipment ***
One Yamaha upright piano and one Yamaha grand piano (for advanced students)

Dedicated chair for parents who choose to wait or observe during the lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
I am a classical musician by training, although I do play other styles as well.

n their musical journey.

*** Lesson Details ***
You will receive personal instruction to give you positive encouragement to be the best musician or singer. Lessons will include some of the following, but not limited to. For example: Comprehensive Music Theory, how to play and or sing scales, commonly used musical terms, uses of different clefs, notation, dynamic markings, tempo, time signatures, sight-singing and reading, ear-training, and much much more!!! After 3 or 6 months you will have mastered principle elements to make wonderful music! He prefer to use two different types of curriculum. They are Bastien's and Alfred's. He provide a stress-free learning environment to help you to reach your musical goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Computer and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
Portable 67 key Yamaha Keyboard

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Gospel, Classical, R & B

extensively, teaching and performing in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas directed by Carlos Miguel Prieto. In the United States, Berk has performed with the Akron and Youngstown Symphony Orchestras in Ohio and the Aspen Festival Orchestra, directed by David Zinman and Robert Spano. He has also played bass trombone for Carl Topilow and the Firelands Symphony Orchestra during its 2009-2010 season. In the spring of 2010 he was selected as a finalist in the International Trombone Association Marsteller Competition. As an avid contemporary musician Berk has commissioned and performed many new creative works. Collaborations include “Catch” by Kevin Dee and “Pink to Blue” by Ryan Lester (2010-2012). A grant awarded to him by the Hilda and Hershel Rich Family Endowment for Student Community Service funded the premier of "Procession," a trombone concerto by Seung-ah Oh, recipient of the Buma Toonzetters Prize. In addition he has composed and performed his own music in collaboration with Houston based Da Camera of Houston, Two Star Symphony, and the Shepherd School Composers Outside the Lines:An Un-Concert. Berk is an avid educator and supporter of creative teaching methods, maintaining a large studio of private low brass students in Houston. Many of his students have gone on to pursue music professionally. Berk plans on returning to Ecuador this summer to teach with the Sociedad Fondo Jovenes Talentos in Guayaquil and perform the Tomasi Trombone Concerto.

*** Lesson Details ***
Please contact me with any additional inquires. I will send you a detailed syllabus and a list of materials you will need while studying with me.

Professional Recommendations

“In addition to being a great musician and teacher, Berk S. is the utmost professional in all he has done for Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. Whether through communication, adjudication, instruction, or performance, Berk has kept a very high standard. We are happy to have Berk with us!”

Ben Ware, Director of Bands at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, June 28, 2011, Ben worked directly with Berk at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

“Berk performed and recorded several of my compositions and it was always evident that Berk is one of the best trombone players and finest musicians out there. Due to his tremendously diligent work-ethic and level of professionalism, he is always prepared for his commitments and brings a refreshing amount of enthusiasm to everything he performs. Incredibly accurate with impeccable intonation and rhythm, it is always a pleasure and a gift to be able to work with Berk.”

Ryan Lester, Composer at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Criminal Minds, August 20, 2011, Ryan advised Berk at Oberlin College

Student Recommendations

“Being a senior at Cypress Woods High School I have had good amount of Lesson teachers over the years, both Bass Trombone and Tenor. It’s safe for me to say that Berk S. has been one of the best lesson teachers by far that I have had, and I would not have been able to make it through this year without him. As a Bass Trombonist I have learned so much from Berk, he makes the lessons stress free and enjoyable while at the same time keeping a (mostly) serious tone throughout the lesson. His instruction has proven most valuable to my success as I just received my acceptance letter to Sam Houston's School of Music.”

Ryan Carr, Bass Trombone, studied with Berk at Cypress Woods High School 2012-14, currently a student at Sam Houston School of Music.

“I am in my senior year of high school, and I have had a decent number of teachers, clinicians, and directors to study with. I can honestly say that he is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Not only is he great at communicating with his students, but he is able to not make one feel intimidated, like I have felt with some teachers, but instead creates an environment where it's easy to exchange ideas and learn. On top of that, he is a great player, and a great teacher. I have learned the most from him this year than any other teacher I've had so far, and he was able to help me with auditions for region, college, and drum corps, from everything to audition etiquette, dealing with nerves, and time management. And, most importantly, I have grown as a musician, and as a performer, and have learned many things about trombone, music, and education that I will take with me for a long time.”

Mason Wallis, Tenor Trombone, studied with Berk at Cypress Woods High School 2012-14, currently a student at The School of Music at The University of Arizona.

“I have had many trombone teachers over several years, and Berk is by far the very best I have ever had. He's taught me to play music that is harder than I could ever learn to play, but now it is quite feasible with his teaching methodology. Berk is awesome!”

Lana Huston, Tenor Trombone, studied with Berk privately 2010-13.

“My daughter has been taking lesson from Berk the past year and she has improved tremendously. Her tone is beautiful now; sounding almost like a french horn. She has also won several first places in solo contests which I know would not have happened without Berk's help! We will sign up for another year! Thanks Berk!”

Mother of Lana Huston..

*** Specialties ***
Orchestral and solo performance.

ginners,” Fun Song.

* Age 8 – 9: Level 1 Music Theory “Note Names, Fingering Notes,” Trumpet Book, Fun Song,
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As for Junior High/High School or Adults level I will help them with anything they are learning in the school band like "etudes, solo's scale's or anything they bring to the lessons. For trumpet players, I well use any books they are using in school band or a book I think they may need based on their level; I will let them use my book also with the encouragement to bring any music they like or love. I will always make lessons fun and educational.

* Age 10 – 13: Music Theory “Base on their level,” Trumpet Book, Exercise Book “Long Tone, Lip slur/Tonguing,” Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor scales. I try to also do anything they need to work on for school/band.
* Age 14 – Adults: I base it on the level of the student, Music Theory “Base on their level,” Trumpet Book, Exercise Book “Long Tone, Lip slur/Tonguing,” Piece, Fun Song, any etudes and Major/Minor Scales. I try to also do anything they need to work on for school/band.

*** Piano Lesson Details ***

For the younger students I enjoy teaching them the name of the letters and the placement of their hands on the piano. My teaching aides include, colors, name games, color pages, flashcards along with songs I have composed or will buy for them. I always encourage students to play any song they like.

* Age 4 – 7: Basic Music Theory color pages, Lesson Book, Fun Song and Games
* Age 8 – 9: Level 1 Music Theory, Lesson Book, Technical Book, Fun Song.
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For those in Junior High/High School or Adults level I will teach them at their level and speed with tempo, rhythm and some basic music theory. As for piano students, I well go
ahead and purchase a book they need based on their level.

* Age 10 – 13: Music Theory “Base on their level,” Lesson Book, Technical Book, Finger/Hand Exercises, Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor scales
* Age 14 – Adults: I base it on the level of the student, Music Theory “Base on their level,” Lesson Book, Technical Book, Finger/Hand Exercises, Piece, Fun Song and Major/Minor Scales/Chords

*** Specialties ***

I have published a beginners trumpet book.

I specialize in church music, mariachi, concert and jazz band, orchestra, classical and/or symphony music on the trumpet.

I specialize in church music, classical, orchestra, symphony and/or pop on the piano.

I started to learn music at the age of 10. I have minored/self-taught myself in sing alto, guitar, handbells, organ, voice, percussion and french horn for approximately eight years. I enjoy learning and teaching music to others.

*** Travel Equipment ***

I am able to travel to your house. I have a portable piano keyboard for anyone that does not have one but I do expect the parents to invest in some type of piano and/or keyboard. I can also provide the books they will need.

Paula Page, former Houston Symphony Principal Harpist, and Joan Holland, harp instructor at the University of Michigan and Interlochen Arts Academy & Camp to cater to each of her individual student's needs.

ving to Houston, she coached non-major, college-aged students at the University of Illinois, taught music classes at the prestigious International Preschool in New York City, and developed a teaching and playing program for children with behavioral and communication disorders in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"This is what I really want to do and I am going to pursue it", then you will find that something miraculous takes place" - J. Krishnamurti

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I look forward to meeting you and helping you become a better musician!