On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

Where did I go? Has the podcast died? ‘What Hoppened? Never fear true believers- we’re coming back strong later thus week. In a crazy period entitled “I wish I had another six hours a day and a tail” (heretofore referenced as- aJust became a new stay at home Dad, moved, and still maintained my studio, [...]

Today only- a FREE download of Michael Giacchino‘s soundtrack to the movie “Up” sponsored by the L.A. Times.Download code is: “latimesdisney” Enjoy! – he’s one of my new favorite composers. Best, Dr. J

It’s the quick (and unofficial) launch of my new podcast: (submitting the formal RSS feed to iTunes today, but available now) Meeting with Masters: Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck. Purpose: Share the life stories and musical insights of outstanding musicians, craftsmen, repair technicians, music businessmen, creative professionals, and people that impress me, [...]

Be still the cockles of my old bitter heart- that nearly brought tears. Wow. I posit a question to you, the trombone community, and tangentially address Allen’s question: HOW, as artists, teachers, humans, and musicians, do we/you convey to our students and the public en masse, that MUSICALITY, and specifically lyric playing of the sort [...]

Don’t miss trombone virtuoso, Mr. Bill Watrous, this Saturday at California State University, East Bay. Rarely do you get the opportunity to hear a world class musician playing and giving advice “in your backyard” for FREE. This event is graciously sponsored by Mr. Dick Akright at A&G Music, coordinated by Mr. Dean Hubbard, and hosted [...]

Look out! “Meeting with Masters, or Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck” is coming soon! Artwork candidate The premiere episode to feature Mr. Alex Iles, Los Angeles studio trombonist, pedagogue, orchestral musician, and inspiring human. Recorded episodes to come include:Mr. Rod Gilfry – 30 year career as an international Operatic Baritione, star of [...]

A free lesson to help beginning brass students get started. Worksheets to accompany the free audio files (audio in .mp3, worksheet in .pdf) An introduction to my teaching style, process, and personality. Something that is designed for the beginning student, but applicable to all.

Instrument maintenance is perhaps the most often overlooked area by students (and professionals).  I have created the following twelve maintenance videos on my YouTube channel.  They were recorded in hi-def 720p, and I will be working in the next few weeks to improve the sound quality for you. It sounds simple, but if you follow [...]

Where the heck are the videos you promised? Hi there! Sigh- technology is fun and challenging. I’m running out now to play with the Four Tops, and am having some difficulties with the website. All will b fixed by Monday. Please visit DrJ YouTube Channel to see the videos until I get them, and the [...]