Fort Myer, VA Trumpet Lessons

Trumpet is my specialty; I've been playing it my entire life. Whether you're a beginner, an advanced player or a professional, I can help you take your playing further.

I equally cover fundamentals, technique, tone production, classical, jazz and anything else the student might be interested in.

Trumpet is a wonderful instrument for both the young and young-at-heart. I have been playing trumpet for most of my life, and teaching it for 14 years.

35 + yrs playing/teaching experience
Classical to Jazz
Fun mixed with work

Playing a brass instrument can be a fun and rewarding experience when approached in the correct way. I help all my students develop a good attitude toward playing music, as well as setting them up for success in developing a good sound and technique. I have helped students prepare for all situations, including auditions, adjudications, and yearly band concerts.

I've been studying trumpet for 15 years, and I'm eager to work with students of all ages. I will give students a firm foundation in trumpet fundamentals, while also focusing on what the student would like to learn. I specialize in jazz and contemporary music, though I am also trained in classical music.

I have over 10 years teaching experience from beginner through professional level. I have had the privilege of studying with some of the top trumpet instructors in the world and want to share my knowledge and experience with my students. My mission as a teacher is to inspire students to learn the art of the trumpet through a growth and goal oriented approach. I encourage my students to think critically and reflect frequently on their own playing as well as the musical meaning of their pieces. Whether the student is preparing for All-State auditions, college auditions, solo and ensemble, is having chop problems, needs and embouchure change, or just starting out and wants to learn good habits and skills, I can help along the way.

I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.
Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.
Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.
In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s ...

Whether you are completely new to music, have been studying trumpet for a few years, or put it down many years ago and now want to come back to it, I am here to help! I will ensure you have the proper fundamentals of breathing, posture, and embouchure in order to create your best, most relaxed sound. From there, we will continue with technique and repertoire, and together, we will establish and work towards long-term playing goals.