A Little About My Teaching Philosophy

Studying the trumpet should be fun and rewarding. The following points are not meant to intimidate or browbeat the student, (really!). Generally if a student has a strong desire to play, then most of these points will take care of themselves. One of the roles of the teacher is to outline what is expected and what the teaching philosophy is. To that end here are some thoughts to help guide students and parents.

The Teacher:

The teacher's role is to coach, guide, and direct the student towards technical and musical proficiency. To do this the teacher must:

• Be honest and realistic when assessing the student's progress.

• Have respect for the student's time and effort.

• Listen carefully to what the student plays and says.

• Recognize each student's unique rate of development.

• Challenge the student.

• Demand the highest level of achievment the student is capable of.

• Ensure the student learns proper basic trumpet technique.

• Be open to new ideas and approaches as long as they are technically sound.

• Draw on experience as a teacher and a player and share that knowledge in an honest and straightforward manner.

• Maintain proficiency as a player, thereby teaching by example.

The Student:

If the student is lazy, or uninterested, then forget about trumpet or any other musical instrument! The investment of money and time would be better spent on other pursuits. If the student is commited to doing some work, and loves music, the rewards will be truly gratifying for the student, parent, and the teacher! Here are some points for students to remember:

• Consider yourself fortunate. Your parents are willing to bear the expense of getting you a trumpet and trumpet lessons! Honour that commitment by applying yourself diligently.

• Respect the knowledge and experience your teacher has gained over many years of playing and studying the trumpet.

• Do not expect the teacher to solve all the obstacles for you. The teacher will guide you, but cannot do the work for you!

• Have patience with yourself. You cannot develop any faster than nature will allow.

• If you put in 50% effort you will get the same result!

• There are no shortcuts or quick fixes!

• It is assumed that the student is practicing the lesson material daily.

• Practice each lesson thoroughly. If the material is not sufficiently absorbed, new material cannot be introduced.

• If something is not clear, ask questions, even if you think it is a "dumb” question. The teacher will be glad you asked and you will get clarification.

• It is absolutely essential to become familiar with some of the great trumpet players and listen to their recordings.

• Constantly remind yourself and be assured that music will only happen after the fundamentals have been learned.

• Consistency is one of the main keys to progress.

• A lesson is really a test. It is an opportunity for the teacher to check progress.

• If you get discouraged remember: playing the trumpet is not a natural thing to do, but almost anyone can do it well with some effort and consistent practice.

The Parent:

• Must not push too hard for success, but must insist the student practice.

• Must not force the student to take lessons if they don't want to. If the student is not motivated, they have two chances for success on the trumpet: 1) slim 2) none!

I hope this has shed a little light on my basic teaching philosophy. Please e-mail if you have any questions.

Regards,

Terry