Teaching Method

My specialty is teaching, encouraging, and empowering the recreational player.

The focus is on playing Music. Note reading, technique and range are dealt with when and if necessary; recreational players are not, by definition, those aspiring to professional careers.

A typical lesson might include:

Examples and stories of music history; playing, listening to and discussing examples.

Playing with a view to understanding all musical styles.

Encouraging the student to play by ear.

I teach in my private studio, with all my resources at hand, surrounded by books on brass, music for brass, and my extensive record collection. And not to forget my collection of brass instruments and workshop/factory.

The role of a teacher is to activate the musician in every student.

To learn more about my teaching methods and philosophy, prospective students are invited to read my essays about music making in My Friend the Trumpet and in the blog entries on this site.

Please contact me to arrange lessons.

Musical Background

I have been actively involved in music since 1958.

I started my musical career in Auckland, New Zealand, singing in the Friendly Road Choir which presented weekly radio broadcasts and regular concerts. I was cornet soloist in the New Zealand National Youth Brass Band, and later principal trumpet in the National Youth Orchestra. Appointed to the National Band of New Zealand in 1967 under K G L Smith, I was a solo cornet in the World Championship winning National Band in 1970 under Elgar Clayton. This band also played under Harry Mortimer in England. My early teachers included W L (Les) Francis and Lloyd Thorne.

At Auckland University I studied composition and conducting with Dr Douglas Mews and Dr Charles Nalden, and was a member of the University of Auckland singers. After my studies I was appointed principal trumpet of the Symphonia of Auckland. After leaving this orchestra I have continued a free-lance playing career in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and now USA.

I enjoy teaching - drawing on my 60 years of playing experience and wealth of musical knowledge.

Lessons are given at my private studio in South Salem, New York.