About lessons with Rachel:
I have been providing private instruction for beginner to college level trombone, bass trombone, and euphonium students for 10 years. My goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere in which my students can freely express themselves through the music they play. I like to keep my students mentally engaged by asking them questions that are intended to guide them toward creating a clear, personal interpretation of their music. This gives the student a sense of artistic authority and ownership over their playing and creates more meaning and enjoyment in their daily practicing and playing. I view listening to music frequently (whether it is a live concert or a recording) as an essential key to swift musical growth, and I encourage my students to actively engage with various recordings to develop their personal understanding of what great musicians do, how/why they make their musical choices, and what the student would like to implement (if anything) from that particular musician.
Lesson content:
I generally start lessons by playing tone and technique building exercises with the student. We then move on to whatever etude, solo, and tricky spots from school music that the student is working on. I do my best to impart as many practical life skills as possible as taught through the lens of music. Problem solving, active listening, critical thinking, creativity, responsibility, etc.
My expectations for my students:
I encourage my elementary school students to practice for 15-30 minutes 3-5 days a week, middle school students to practice for 25-40 minutes 4-7 days a week, and my high school students to practice for 45-60 minutes 6-7 days a week. I ask that my students come to their lessons prepared, knowing what they want specific help with each week so that I can best serve their needs and help them get the most out of our lessons.
I have been providing private instruction for beginner to college level trombone, bass trombone, and euphonium students for 10 years. My goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere in which my students can freely express themselves through the music they play. I like to keep my students mentally engaged by asking them questions that are intended to guide them toward creating a clear, personal interpretation of their music. This gives the student a sense of artistic authority and ownership over their playing and creates more meaning and enjoyment in their daily practicing and playing. I view listening to music frequently (whether it is a live concert or a recording) as an essential key to swift musical growth, and I encourage my students to actively engage with various recordings to develop their personal understanding of what great musicians do, how/why they make their musical choices, and what the student would like to implement (if anything) from that particular musician.
Lesson content:
I generally start lessons by playing tone and technique building exercises with the student. We then move on to whatever etude, solo, and tricky spots from school music that the student is working on. I do my best to impart as many practical life skills as possible as taught through the lens of music. Problem solving, active listening, critical thinking, creativity, responsibility, etc.
My expectations for my students:
I encourage my elementary school students to practice for 15-30 minutes 3-5 days a week, middle school students to practice for 25-40 minutes 4-7 days a week, and my high school students to practice for 45-60 minutes 6-7 days a week. I ask that my students come to their lessons prepared, knowing what they want specific help with each week so that I can best serve their needs and help them get the most out of our lessons.