25-12 32nd Street, Apt. 2, Astoria NY, 11102
Instruments:Composition, Conducting, Ear Training, Euphonium, Guitar, Horn, Music Business, Other, Theory, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Blues, Kids
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate
Experience:2 years
Rate:$40 / hr
Personal Statement
My teaching philosophy is based heavily on the Socratic Method, which means I ask meaningful questions to evoke intelligent responses from the students. Through this method, the student learns primarily through thinking critically about their own music-making endeavors. I believe that this helps the student feel confident in his/her playing because it allows them to assess their own performance. In this way, they can continue to grow beyond the help of a private teacher.
I also stress the importance of active listening to evaluate the student’s own performance and compare it to the teacher’s. This builds their ear to be able to constructively decide on the musicality of their performance.
Education / Training
Will is currently a graduate student at New York University, pursuing a Masters Degree in Music Education. He currently studies with jazz trumpeter Ralph Alessi. He graduated from Hofstra University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business, where he studied with Classical trumpeter Kris Kwapis. He has played the trumpet for about 15 years, and specializes in Classical (chamber and solo), and Jazz (performance, composition and improvisation). He is also a jazz arranger and composer, and can provide lessons in music theory (including Music Theory AP test prep).
While at Hofstra, Will was the leader of the Hofstra Jazz Nonet, Blue Seven Jazz Septet, and directed the Hofstra University Jazz Ensemble for his senior recital. He also composed two large ensemble works that were performed by the Hofstra Jazz Ensemble in April 2008. Will also assisted with Master Classes, Brass Ensemble, and various chamber ensembles. At NYU, Will is a member of the NYU Music Education Jazz Ensemble and NYU Concert Band, in addition to various chamber ensembles.