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 (link) based in Brooklyn. 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…. ralphalessi@gmail.comIMPROVISATION 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 strategiesTEACHING EXPERIENCE
Accademia Nazionale del Jazz Siena, Italy—Visiting Professor
November 2019- PRESENT- 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