For Parents of Trumpet Students
Trumpet is one of the most difficult instruments to learn. In addition to the musical challenges that every instrumentalist and singer faces, the trumpet student will (in nearly every case) have trouble simply playing the individual pitches required in ensemble music. I expect my students to be diligent in their practicing - partly because of the instrument's difficulty, and partly because it is excellent preparation for life in general.
Fees
I charge $20 for a half-hour lesson. If it becomes clear to me that the student would benefit from a longer lesson (generally reserved for college trumpet lessons and, occasionally, high school lessons), I will suggest moving to an hour lesson schedule, for which I charge $40.
Lesson Materials
I believe that the player makes the sound, not the equipment, so I will suggest a huge purchase like a new professional trumpet if I believe the the student will continue to play for his/her own enjoyment after high school and his/her current instrument is limiting their progress.
However, I do strongly suggest several materials at lessons (and practice sessions) to help your child get the maximum possible benefit from trumpet lessons:
- Pencil
- Digital metronome
- Method books/etudes/solos, assigned on an individual basis
- Recording device (the necessity and quality of this will vary according to the student, but students who have professional aspirations will definitely want one)
Method books, etude books, and solo pieces will be the most expensive materials. I will try to assign multiple books at once if they must be shipped, to save you on shipping costs. I also will have some materials available in the Resources for Trumpet Students section of my website.
Location
I teach out of my home in Athens, Georgia, and will also travel to students' homes for an additional mileage-based fee.
Qualifications
I am currently Artist-Affiliate in Trumpet at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, GA, and I have previously been a trumpet instructor at Georgia College & State University and the University of Georgia. I taught trumpet and was a member of the resident brass quintet at a winter music festival in Tatui, Brazil. My private students have been accepted to the All-State Bands and All-State Jazz Bands in South Carolina and Georgia, and the Georgia Governor's Honors Program.
More about my teaching:
