Some random things

I am available to teach trumpet lessons to students of all ages and experiences. I am also qualified to teach baritone and trombone to beginning students. I have experience teaching beginning, junior high, high school, undergraduate trumpet students, and amateur trumpet players with much success. On top of my teaching experience, I believe I am among the most qualified of trumpeters in my age group, providing students with exceptional instructional value.

Rate

My rate is $40 per hour for trumpet lessons, or $20 for a half-hour, to be paid before lessons are given. For all other instruments, my rate will be negotiated at the beginning of lessons for the course of the school year. No lessons will be given without prior payment. Lessons canceled by the student are not eligible for make-up. Lessons canceled by me will be made up. My rate is set not as a money-making venture, as music is inherently not a money-making venture, but rather as a token of personal investment. It is suggested that, in the case of high school students especially, the cost be shared between the parent and student so that both also share in the obligation.

Materials

Students should come prepared with a trumpet or cornet of sufficient make and model to allow improvement. I am happy to provide a list or advice on any instrument purchase, and even make specific suggestions. Some music will be provided, but the student is largely responsible for arriving with the proper materials. Below are a couple of examples of books I will ask a student to bring to his/her lesson. I can make copies of other texts under normal “fair use” pretenses, to the extent of a page or two. The following texts should be procured before or immediately following a student’s first lesson:

(Title, author, publisher)
Celebrated Conservatory Method (red cover), Jean-Baptiste Arban, Carl Fischer
Complete studies of Herbert L. Clarke, Herbert L. Clarke, Hickman Music Editions
First Studies Book of Practical Studies, Robert Getchell, Alfred Publishing

More music will be assigned or provided as needed. All materials can be found new at http://www.hickeys.com, or often times used at discount prices on http://www.amazon.com

Expectations

Students should arrive to their lessons in a timely manner, professional-level instrument/music/mutes in-hand. Space in the studio is relatively limited, and thus not without a certain competitive aspect, so it is also expected that the student learn the assigned materials to the absolute best of his or her ability (e.g., I generally expect that students have learned the notes and marked in appropriate breathing phrases). Other expectations are more conceptual, such as creativity and maintaining a positive attitude.

Fees

In addition to tuition fees, lapses in keeping with expectations are charged incrementally, to further reinforce good habits. These fees are quite small, but can add up if proper practice is not maintained. Proceeds go toward the purchase of new materials for students. Theses fees include but are not limited to:

Forgetting to bring a pencil (5 cents)
Forgetting appropriate mute (10 cents)
Forgetting music (20 cents)
Forgetting assignment notebook (50 cents)
Forgetting trumpet (2 dollars)

Objective

I strive to teach students how to apply a beautiful sound to every musical situation in creative ways. All of the materials and lessons carry with them the objectives of getting better at and being better equipped to enjoy music. Instruction will also include elements of reading, writing, singing, musical form/theory, musical history, and other disciplines. Parents and welcome and encouraged to observe, ask questions, and otherwise be involved.