Newington, VA Tuba Lessons

Help me get you started on the largest instrument of the brass family!

Beginner
I'm not currently taking beginner students. Please refer to my studio partner Tyler:
https://takelessons.com/profile/tyler-j8

Intermediate
Learn about rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics, and how they apply to the tuba. Explore the range of your instrument through various scales. Build solid skills through understanding the mechanics of how your body and instrument work together.

I equally cover fundamentals, technique, tone production, solo rep., orchestral music, jazz and anything else the student might be interested in.

I have ten years' experience teaching all brass instruments. Emphasis on tone production while covering other aspects from learning the notes to creating beautiful musical phrases.

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 am a professional orchestral trombonist and I have been an active brass teacher for almost twenty years. I have played in orchestras across the USA and Europe, including the Cincinnati Symphony, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and many more.

I aim to give my students a solid understanding of the technical skills required to play a brass instrument, and to share with them the musical knowledge I have gained from studying with some of the best brass teachers in the world.

Take lessons with a experienced teacher that actively performs and teaches. What makes me a good teacher is the fact that I struggled during the first few years that I started playing. I had a work through those struggles in order to become the musician I am today, so I know how to break things down and to cater lessons to each individual student. There is no cookie cutter method for all, we each have our own issues to work on. Some naturally gifted teachers will just tell you to play something and make it work...but since I had to work hard to become successful, I can use what I learned to help you to achieve success. I will help you to build a strong fundamental base and to turn your weaknesses into strengths! Whether you are preparing for school band or ensemble, for honor band auditions, college auditions, or solo and ensemble festivals, I would be happy to help you to become the musician that you want to become.

Whether you are just starting out with tuba or already ten years in, this package allows you to connect with an instructor who can assess where you’re at and establish a trajectory to help you reach your goals. You may focus on learning a few pieces or just specific techniques. Either way, you’re sure to end the package feeling more competent and confident in your abilities. This lesson package can be repeated as needed.

The concept is simple: empowerment to generate mastery on your instrument. I like to work with you at your level, from beginner and up. My goal is to not only help you understand the mechanics of the instrument, but to empower you to create as limitlessly as possible on it. I will be working with you on things such as rhythm, ear training, embouchre development, breath control, sight reading, understanding musical notation and terminology and beyond through a few of my own and others' techniques.

I have found the best approach to doing this is by selecting music that you like to listen to and play, as it is much more fun to practice something that you enjoy rather than doing busywork to build skill.

I am an avid brass performer and teacher in the greater Baltimore area, having played for over a decade. In lessons, we will work out of some of the most trusted method books, discuss fundamental playing techniques in an accessible and easy-to-understand way, and search for unique solutions to individual problems as I tailor my teaching method to your learning style. All ages are welcome.