Trumpet Lessons

Music is a gift you give yourself that keeps on giving.

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The trumpet is the leader of every musical ensemble and playing the trumpet well is one of the most rewarding musical experiences anyone can have. 

Sadly, there are many more mediocre trumpet players than good ones and the really good trumpet players rarely know how to teach what they do. It is not obvious how to become a good trumpet player. How do you develop a good sound and a good technique? How do you learn to play high notes and how do you build strength and endurance? 

Ken has been giving successful answers to these questions and many more to trumpet players of all ages and all levels from beginners to professionals for over 40 years. Let’s make you into one of those rare, really good trumpet players!

Trumpet Lessons FAQs

If you are old enough to hold a trumpet up (they are actually pretty heavy!) then you are old enough to begin. Kids as young as 10 do very well and that year or two before they might start in a school band program gives them a tremendous advantage. 
 
And if you are young enough to hold the trumpet you are not too old to start! Adult students do very well with trumpet lessons at any age, well into retirement.

 

 

Trumpet lessons for beginners start at $45 for a 30 minute lesson which needs to happen at least once a week. Thirty minute lessons are for absolute beginners and the youngest students. Adults can quickly move to 60 minute lessons for $60 in order to cover all the knowledge and skills they need to reach all their musical goals.

Maybe! But only if you have extraordinary talent and insight! Even the most talented and insightful players we know credit their teachers for revealing the hidden secrets to success on this instrument and saving them years of frustration and failure. 
It is very enjoyable and rewarding to learn to play the trumpet when you have the right information, guidance, and resources. Because the technique of this instrument lies primarily within mostly automatic body systems – like respiration and speech – it is not obvious how to progress and it is impossible to see in a YouTube video. So, yes, it is difficult but with consistent practice and the right support it does not have to be frustrating. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any trumpet made by a reputable company is good for a beginner. Here are a few of the best makers of trumpets: Bach, Yamaha, Getzen, King, Jupiter. 
You might find a good instrument for as little as $200 if you are lucky and you know what you are looking for. It is always a good idea to ask a professional player to try an instrument out for you before buying – even if it means paying them a few bucks to meet you at a music store. A poor instrument will impede your progress and it will be inspiring to hear how wonderful your new instrument can sound! 
 
A good professional trumpet will cost around $5000. If you can afford it and you are committed to playing the instrument, it is well worth it to get the best instrument you can. Remember, string players have to add a zero to these numbers to get similar quality – $5000 buys them a decent bow!
 
A good option for beginners is to rent an instrument from a music store. You can find very good deals on good instruments – even as little as $20/month! With a rental you can upgrade when you like and with some stores you can “rent to own”. 
 

Testimonials from our Brass Students

“Ken is not just a music teacher. He is a friend, a mentor, and a fantastic motivational speaker. A lesson with Ken Read is a life lesson, with an emphasis on communication, expression, and health. Out of his studio come students who not only are excellent musicians, but genuinely good people who care about the impact that they have on the world. Time with Ken Read is time incredibly well spent, and time that you will yearn for even on the worst of days.”
C. P.Trumpet student
“About six years ago, I walked into Ken Read’s studio, shaking and nervous and so excited. That first lesson, and all the rest that followed, have shaped me into a (much, much) better musician and a far better human being. Ken, you have not just taught me music but you have taught me how to find learning opportunities in every perceived failure, how to focus, how to treat other people with the biggest heart, and so much more. You have had a profound impact on me, and I am ever so grateful to have walked into your studio and found a home. I am so sad to say farewell. Until we meet again.”
C. P.Trumpet student
"Ken Read not only teaches skills and concepts, he instills in his students a true love of music. Flowing through every lesson is the sense that he truly enjoys what he does, and he knows exactly how to pass that on to others. Ken is a great musician, a friendly, helpful person, and a wonderful teacher.”
P. S.Trumpet Student
"I have taken lessons with Ken for a number of years. First and foremost, Ken is very friendly and supportive. He makes the learning experience quite enjoyable. With adults, I know he is trying to tailor a program that accommodates our tastes and time constraints while ensuring that we are achieving this through good basics of trombone technique. With younger students, I know he has a curriculum that helps establish good basic technique and tone while introducing good repertoire that all young brass players should know. As an educator, he is constantly looking for the best practices possible for teaching concepts and getting the best efforts in our practice routines. I have seen big improvements in the individual students through the masterclasses, both classical and jazz. These masterclasses provide numerous performance opportunities that are nurturing and supportive. I know that I have learned how to practice more efficiently and effectively and am able to better analyse my own playing. I have also become familiar with the professional scene and what it takes to move to that level if that is what you desire. It has been very rewarding to learn with Ken.”
R. M.Brass student
"Ken's teaching has brought out the best in my son's playing and has instilled a love of learning and making music in him. He provides his students with motivation to excel in developing their skills and doing well on exams, but in a comfortable and positive environment that has fostered what I know will be a life long love of playing the trombone. Ken supports his students completely and ensures that his lessons align with the goals of each student, providing individualized instruction while giving many opportunities for his students to come together as musicians and experience a sense of community."
J. M.Mom of Trombone Student
“Ken Read not only teaches skills and concepts, he instills in his students a true love of music."
P.S.Trumpet student
“Ken is not just a music teacher. He is a friend, a mentor, and a fantastic motivational speaker.”
C.P.Trombone Student
"As an educator, he is constantly looking for the best practices possible for teaching concepts and getting the best efforts in our practice routines."
R.M.Trumpet Student
“I know that I have learned how to practice more efficiently and effectively and am able to better analyze my own playing. I have also become familiar with the professional scene and what it takes to move to that level if that is what you desire. It has been very rewarding to learn with Ken.”
R. M.Brass student
online trumpet teacher
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