I teach trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet. I’m most familiar with jazz, as I am studying BMus (Trumpet – Jazz Studies) at the Sydney Con, but I am also very familiar with other contemporary genres and my background is in classical trumpet.
My teaching style is relaxed and encouraging, with the primary goal of building rapport and confidence. I tailor my lessons to the ability and learning style of each student to improve both their technical and musical ability whilst at the same time ensuring they continue to develop their love for music. I include technical exercises and drills and I also utlilise a playlist of music tailored for each student, which they will enjoy playing but which will also challenge them and improve their overall ability.
In most lessons, I like to first work through a checklist that covers the physical aspects (tone, articulation, flexibility, breathing, fingering, posture) of the instrument. Following this, I ask the student to apply what they have learnt by playing various pieces in their personalised playlist, but also some sight-reading. Towards the end of the lesson, I ask students to play duets with me to further build confidence and rapport. I think it’s really important that students get to experience making music with other musicians on a regular basis.