trumbullmusic@sbcglobal.net

Instruction in Drums/Drumset, Percussion, Trumpet, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, French Horn, Trombone and Piano

 What one will learn from my instruction:
An instrument is learned by time spent and not shortcuts. Play it until it sounds good.

Always encourage "noodling".  Any time playing is time well spent away from gameboy, PS3, Wii, X-box,etc.

 Correcting technique and mechanics, allowing emotion to enter into a student's playing encourages practice.

Lack of time spent results in poor performance and eventually disinterest.

It seems obvious, but I encounter this often.  If you don't hear your child playing their instrument, they're not practicing. Schedule practice time.
 

AUDITION FOR EVERYTHING!!!There are many ensembles both in school and the outside world.  The student doesn't always get the best parts unless they are seasoned at auditioning a few times first.

You have one of the BEST band programs in the nation courtesy of your tax dollars and it should be utilized to the fullest.  I do not conduct ensembles because I then become like the local soccer coach demanding an extra four to six hours a week of commitment that the student doesn't have.  I would rather they spend their time learning their instrument and auditioning for ensembles of their choice, and not mine.

 There are local community bands that students may play in for free that count toward community service, vital to any college application.

Understanding the opportunities available to a practiced musician will create an environment   
   of excitement and pleasure.

Students should identify and recognize music of the past in order to develop their own playing style.

 If these criteria are met, then a student will have years of playing enjoyment and a rounded knowledge of the art of music.

If you have reason to cancel your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance.
All makeup lessons must be made up during that same month.  Lessons may not be carried over
into the next month.
 

NOTE: One major reason my students/parents employ me for lessons is that I am a
working professional musician.  This is a double-edged sword.  There are days when I
need to cancel lessons for the day to gig/perform because

I am a working professional musician.

Sometimes; unfortunately, it could be a last minute to fill in.

"The show must go on and all that".

I'm very liberal with makeups.