My Philosophy

Music is an experience, whether you’re listening to it or playing it. Most people enjoy playing an instrument because it’s a fun, engaging, creative activity that provides instant gratification—the spontaneous production of aural art. Technique (or lack thereof) can hamper the creative process. I view my role as part teacher, part coach, part fellow musician. While technology now offers beginners a myriad of online resources to learn to play a brass instrument, it can be overwhelming trying to sift through the volume of material out there. Furthermore, a weekly lesson with an experienced player can help prevent bad habits from forming while helping to keep the student focused on improvement. As an accomplished teacher with over 20 years of pedagogical and performing experience, I have various ways of explaining concepts and offer encouragement during the plateaus often experienced during the learning process. I believe in the Socratic Method; that is, I constantly question my students about what has been learned. This serves as a continual reminder to students that they should be thoughtful when practicing—reflection and analysis provide students the tools to self-diagnose, though I am certainly only an email or text away. My goal is to create independent thinkers and performers who have confidence in their skills and knowledge. I have found that regular questioning of students cements and reinforces ideas and concepts much deeper than simply telling a student the answer. When we construct meaning for ourselves, the effect is not only more longterm, but richer in understanding and comprehension.

As beginners we typically want to play music we know or like the sound of. Wherever possible, I try to find music that students request; this tends to engage the student more than just method and technique alone (not that technique isn’t a part of our lessons—it certainly is; but its role should support and facilitate musical expression). I expose students to different styles of playing and can customize music to a student’s specific level. I have a large (and constantly growing!) library of repertoire for the novice, intermediate and experienced brass player and I can write jazz solos or other custom arrangements to meet students’ needs for recital performance, general pedagogical materials and/or enjoyment.