I hope that you’ve had an outstanding year, and are ready to relax, recharge, and have a great summer! It has been a privilege to assist your child in their musical development this year, and I would like to thank you for that opportunity. I am available for private instruction this summer, and would love [...]

You have no problems. I have no problems. It’s too easy to get overwhelmed, overloaded, pessimistic, and want to just “check out.” Don’t know what I’m talking about? (Must be nice to be an alien) For the rest of us, it’s the daily journey, challenge, and effort to keep on “keepin on” and make progress– [...]

I finally get it. One of the best things about playing in the YouTube Symphony was the chance to collaborate and be coached by Mr. Ian Bousfield, solo trombonist with the Vienna Philharmonic. His constant urging for more precision in articulation and rhythmic accuracy not only helped me with some issues I’ve had in my [...]

Oh No! It’s Spring Break/Christmas/Hanukkah/St. Mary the patron saint of Brassologist’s Day/etc. and I’ve got a big gig/audition rich after break! Well friend, let’s face it: there’s no quick fix, and no magical fairy to having chops–trust me, I’ve looked. Here’s just a few quick tips to keep you focused and come back perhaps stronger [...]

In a never-ending quest to “suck less” I find myself at times drifting, dealing with projects that “aren’t critical or important” but nonetheless have merit–but don’t seek to fulfill my purpose, or bring me closer to my destiny. Without getting mushy & metaphysical, I think we all face an internal battle–doing that which is truly [...]

If you’re a student in Contra Costa County and are working on the audition for the Generations in Jazz High School Honor Jazz Band I’ve put together a slower background track to help you with the piece, and done a quick recording of it at tempo to help you with style. Later today, I’ll be [...]

Holiday gift guide 2008: What are the best last minute gifts for any musician, and/or aspiring brass player? Metronomes, Stands, Lubricants, and downloadable music.

Interesting interview with Mr. Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of of the Boston Symphony on the Serpent. Mr. Yeo is a thoughtful player, educator, and musician.   The Serpent is an ancestor of the tuba, and is rarely performed today, Mr. Yeo, is one of the few who keep the tradition going.

Rarely do you get to hear a brass ensemble with this quality playing in your backyard, for $FREE$.  The caliber of student at the San Francisco Conservatory rivals top students at any institution in the country, and they are under the leadership of Mr. Paul Welcomer, a world class performer and coach.  If you have [...]

I have ordered the books for you and will have them available at our first rehearsal. Please bring $5 for your book to the rehearsal. Cash is preferred, but if needed you can make a check out to Jon Brummel. I’ve taken the liberty of preparing the files in SmartMusic so you can practice the [...]