Teaching & Mentorship
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters self-awareness, individual growth, and independent problem-solving. I believe that students learn most effectively when they feel respected, valued, and comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and making mistakes as part of the learning process. Recognizing that each student comes to the trumpet studio with unique strengths, challenges, learning styles, and musical aspirations, I tailor my instruction to meet their individual needs while maintaining high expectations for artistic and technical growth.
My approach to trumpet pedagogy emphasizes developing efficient, sustainable playing habits that let students express themselves freely through their instrument and support long-term playing careers. I believe a strong technical foundation is essential for mature musical expression, so I prioritize fundamental concepts such as breath coordination, sound production, articulation, range, and flexibility. Rather than treating these elements as isolated skills, I encourage students to understand how they work together to support efficient trumpet playing and musical expression. Since trumpet playing requires a high degree of physical coordination and awareness, I guide students to recognize the relationship between what they hear, what they feel, and how they produce sound. Through careful observation, critical listening, and thoughtful experimentation, students learn to identify inefficient habits, recognize unnecessary tension, and develop strategies to play with greater consistency and ease.
A key aspect of my teaching is helping students become independent problem solvers. I believe effective applied instruction goes beyond identifying and correcting technical challenges during a lesson; it equips students with the awareness and practical tools they need to address them independently. I encourage students to see the practice room as a space for experimentation and intentional growth, not merely repetition. By developing effective practice strategies, setting achievable goals, and assessing their own progress, students become active participants in their musical development. Ultimately, my goal is to help students become their own teachers, cultivating the confidence, adaptability, and self-awareness necessary for sustaining artistic excellence and lifelong growth as musicians.
Teaching experience
As Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Western Illinois University, I teach applied trumpet and studio class, graduate trumpet pedagogy, brass methods for music education majors, and aural skills. My work also includes academic advising, chamber music, school visits, and recruitment. I previously taught at Texas A&M International University and held teaching appointments at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University.
Student learning beyond the studio
The WIU Trumpet Ensemble was a featured ensemble at Orvieto Musica Trumpetfest in 2026. Ensembles I have coached have appeared at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and advanced in the National Trumpet Competition. My former students have gone on to graduate study and careers in public school music education.