TEACHING
The purpose of this page is to give a window into my approach to teaching. Currently, I teach in Bern, Switzerland and Siena, Italy as well as giving private lessons from my home. I am also the director of the School for Improvisational Music based in Brooklyn (schoolforimprov.org)
I can safely say that I have a sincere love for teaching with the biggest reason being that it is so satisfying to guide an individual down a path of discovery. Selfishly, I also teach because I often learn so much!
I give lessons in the area of trumpet playing, improvisation and/or composition.
Send me an email if you’re interested in taking a lesson….
IMPROVISATION AND COMPOSITION
An overview of typical concepts:
-Ear training techniques
-The importance for developing a strong rhythmic concept
-The importance of listening as well as different ways of listening
-A simplified way of looking at harmony
-Practicing standards and their importance
-The necessity for being a free improviser
-Eliminating fear
-Structure
-Sonic exploration
-Compositional techniques
-The interface between composition and improvisation
-The need to become a master at practicing
TRUMPET
An overview of typical concepts:
-Breathing
-Embouchure and proper usage of facial muscles
-Relieving tension
-Sound and Intonation
-Endurance
-Rhythm
-Practicing strategies
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Accademia Nazionale del Jazz Siena, Italy—Visiting Professor
November 2019- 2022
- Small groups
- Jazz Trumpet
School for Improvisational Music Brooklyn, NY—Founder/ Director
January 2001- PRESENT
- Founder
- Artistic Director
- Teacher
University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV—Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies
July 2016- May 2019
- Jazz trumpet instruction
- Small group
- Big Band
New England Conservatory, Boston MA—Adjunct Professor
Sept 2013-May 2016
- Jazz trumpet instruction
New York University, New York NY—Adjunct Professor
Sept 2002-May 2016
- Small Groups
- Jazz Improvisation
- Jazz Theory
- Improvisation lessons
Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY—Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies
July 1995-July 1999
- Small Groups
- Jazz Improvisation
- Jazz Theory
- Jazz Trumpet lessons
Five Towns College, Huntington NY —Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies
1992-1994
- Small Groups
- Jazz trumpet instruction
EDUCATION
Cal Arts, Valencia CA—M.A. jazz trumpet/bass
1990
Cal Arts, Valencia CA—B.A. jazz trumpet
1987
PRIVATE STUDIES
Jazz: Charlie Haden, James Newton, David Roitstein, Bob Elkjer
Classical: Joseph Alessi, Armando Ghitalla, William Vacchiano, Mario Guarneri, Roger Voisin, Ray Crisara