Jim
Tabs
The first lesson is always a trial lesson.
If for any reason you are not happy we will fully refund any pending charges or help you find a new teacher. Your choice!
Teaching Statement
My teaching emphasizes strong technical fundamentals, relaxation, musical awareness, and versatility. Low brass instruments can be very physically demanding to play, and I try to help each student find the most natural, effortless way to make music. My pedagogy borrows elements from the schools of Caruso, Reinhart (pivot system), and Jacobs (Wind and Song). I host a yearly class recital for my students, several of whom have won auditions for University music programs and youth orchestras, including: UBC, Capilano University, GVYO, and BC Honour Band.
Education
Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance with Distinction, University of Victoria 2007, plus additional studies with Ian McDougall (the Boss Brass), Hugh Fraser (VEJI), Jeremy Berkman (Vancouver Opera), and Sam Burtis (NYC).
Biography
I am a first call professional low brass player in Vancouver, BC. I play and teach trombone (tenor, alto, bass, valve), tuba, euphonium, and Swiss Alphorn, and I have taught over 8000 lessons/clinics and played hundreds of gigs throughout the world in the past 10 years. I am comfortable playing and teaching all styles of music, including jazz, classical, pop, rock, and folk. Additional subjects: composition, arranging, theory, and improvisation. I have performed and recorded with: Hedley, Nikki Yanofsky, Chucho Valdes, Hugh Fraser, VEJI, Hard Rubber Orchestra, VSO Brass Quintet, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Plastic Acid Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony, and many more.
Studio Policies
Low brass instruments are athletic, and require a minimum daily practice time of: 30 minutes (beginner), 1 hour (intermediate), 2 hours (advanced). I may request that students purchase the following method books at some point during their studies: Rochut, Schlossberg, Arban's.