Experience Summary
I have a total of 17 years of playing experience, from all genres of playing. I have played in high school and sollege marching and concert bands, and I have been a section leader in every group I have been in. I have jazz band, lead, solo, orchestral, chamber ensemble, and drum corps experience. I also have served as a band camp brass instructor for 4 different high schools in Alabama and Florida, with every one of them going on to get superior ratings at marching competitions.
Teaching Style
I believe in teaching the right way to do something the first time. Bad playing habits are much easier to avoid than to correct. I prefer for the student to have a short (20 to 30 minute) daily practice session that is highly concentrated, than to practice for two hours twice a week. I also like to keep a very relaxed atmosphere... because you simply play better when you are relaxed. I can teach someone to play higher or faster, but my main goal is to make sure that someone has a firm grasp of the basics, such as posture, breath support, embouchure, articulation, and tone quality.