With over 20 years of experience teaching Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, and Piano, Kevin’s teaching style combines kind encouragement, clear communication, and creative lesson planning resulting in a curriculum that is both fun and inspiring. He has been an active member in the education programs at the University of Southern California, San Jose Jazz, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Alum Rock Jazz, and a clinician for the Cupertino Union School District. He finds great fulfillment in teaching and is driven to make a difference in the lives of his students and their community.
At this time in person lessons are offered at my home in Miami, in students home throughout Little Havana, Coral Gables, South Miami, or Coconut Grove, and Online. Kevin has passed a level II background check, as well as training for mandated reporters with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Please see my FAQ below, or contact me for any questions.
FAQ
How long should each lesson be?
This depends on the student’s level of experience. The challenge and fatigue of working with a brass instruments limits the time beginners can spend playing so 30 minutes is best. For intermediate and advanced students longer lessons of 45 minutes or an hour are recommended. This allows the instruction to go deeper, and a wider variety of topics to be addressed. Improvisation is a complex and deep subject, so any students seeking instruction in improvisation should schedule 1 hour lessons.
What do I need for in home lessons?
Your home should include a quiet and distraction free room to conduct lessons in. Please have two chairs and a music stand ready and set up at your scheduled start time. One adult or care taker should be present in the house at every lesson.
What do I need for online lessons?
A high speed internet connection and an up to date computer are required. It is also recommended that the student purchases a nicer microphone and quality headphones/speakers for better audio clarity during lessons.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of online lessons?
The biggest advantage of online instruction is the convenience of having lessons conducted at almost any time of day or location. Because there is no travel involved scheduling is usually much more flexible. Because the teacher is not able to be in the same room as the student this type of lesson is not recommended for beginning students (these students usually require hands on instruction).