Pasadena, TX Trombone Lessons

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.

several times. Justin was also a part of the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, playing lead and the solo chair. He has performed nationwide and has had the opportunity to perform in clubs such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Birdland, Smoke, FatCat, Cleopatras Needle, Starland Ballroom, Highline Ballroom and Symphony Space. Justin has also toured with the International Vans Warped Tour all over the country and in parts of Canada. He has worked with people such as John Pattitucci, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Charles McPherson, Arturo O'Farril, John Pizzarelli, Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider, Eddie Palmieri, Peter Erskine, Brian Lynch, Luis Bonilla, Jason Rigby, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Joe Magnarelli, Pete Mcguinness and Mike Holober.

in Trombone Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has recently completed a Masters in Brass Performance at University of Washington.

Parkinson, Peter Sullivan, Peter Ellefson and Joe Duchi.

, The Sauerkrauts, 100% of whose proceeds go to benefit children in Shriner-owned hospitals.
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I have been giving private lessons since 2006, and have a deep passion for musical education. I feel learning to play an instrument enriches life in a way few other things can.

n by the former Quebec Music Educator Association president Theodora Stathopoulos. I am now formally known as one of the founding tutors of the Viva! Sistema program in Montreal. The El Sistema concept, which originated in Venezuela but has proliferated across the world, emphasizes the ensemble, the process of learning, develops a spirit of cooperation and discipline, and focuses on social change through music. I mirror this part of spirit of cooperation and learning through a blend of techniques I leaned at Viva! Sistema with the education I received from McGill and graduate level education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

I worked in New York City public schools as an orchestra and elementary general music teacher while attending Columbia University this past year. I would use culturally relevant pedagogy to inspire students and center their learning on their musical interests and creativity. This would be showcased with concerts and social events. I would also emphasize teaching them the necessary skills to find success in and out of the classroom. They have applied mathematics to music theory, explored music in the context of history and have used music as a creative outlet by using their voice, instruments or movement. I encourage all my students to explore many genres of music and I aim to foster a community in which students help each other grow.