Lancaster PA Trumpet Lessons (Lancaster City, 17603)
Hello! My name is James Blackwell and I am a trumpet instructor living in Lancaster City, PA. After 18 years of helping other players get acquainted with this little brass tube – and playing it daily myself for the past 27 years – I can say without hesitation that I now love it more than ever. And I would be thrilled to help you along your playing journey.
Now, while the trumpet just may be the coolest instrument ever made, it can be something of a tricky and frustrating beast to get the hang of. Because of this – and the fact that you success as a player relies almost entirely on stacking proper habits from the start – it is of the utmost importance that you find an experienced teacher that you enjoy working with and who can point you in the proper direction. This way, you’ll have the most fun playing as you keep getting a little better each day.
If you have been considering private lessons for yourself or child, please read the following information below. It is my mission to help each student achieve their best as a trumpeter, musician and person while discovering a love for music and the fun of getting better after putting in the work.
The Benefit of Private Lessons
When it comes to learning to play the trumpet, the importance of an experienced set of eyes and ears on your playing cannot be overstated. The trumpet is a notoriously challenging instrument, and if there ever were a key to this thing it’s making sure you’re developing proper habits from the start. This way, you will not experience the frustrating limitations with range, sound and playing stamina that so many need to painstakingly correct down the line.
The other thing to be aware of – especially for younger players in band – is that group ensembles are not often paced with the best interests of the trumpet players embouchure in mind. Therefore, understanding the mechanics of good production while making sure that the playing embouchure gets the TLC it needs will help beginning players stay on a productive path that leads to better playing over time.
My Teaching Lineage
As a student, I am very fortunate to have been surrounded by wonderful teachers and players my entire life. And while each had a slightly different approach and perspective to trumpet playing, they all shared one common trait – a belief in their students ability to learn and grow. This has been a tremendous influence on me and one that I am passionate about passing down. This may be the greatest contributing factor to the success of a student.
While I have simply had too many mentors along the way to mention them all, I would like to give a shoutout to a few select individuals who greatly influenced my teaching.
As a student at the University of North Texas, I studied under the tuteledge of Jay Saunders for four years. Jay was the lead trumpeter for the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the early 1970’s as well as an extremely busy recording musician for radio and television. Jay’s unique combination of infectious positivity and deep experience as a seasoned pro impacted my love of playing and sharing with others in a major way. Each time I left his studio I was playing and feeling better than before we started.
Later, I moved to Los Angeles California and became a busy member of the jazz and freelance community there for nine years. During this time I studied with as many players as I could. The most influential were Charley Davis (first trumpeter on ‘the Simpsons’ and protégé of legendary trumpet pedagogue Bill Adam), John Fumo (Neil Diamond’s band), Jon Lewis (major motion picture film scoring – most recently principle trumpet on the ‘Star Wars’ franchise), Gary Grant (first trumpeter on Michael Jackson’s albums plus many others) and Thomas Hooten (principal trumpet for the Los Angeles Philharmonic). Each left their mark on me and I am grateful for the perspective I was able to gain.
Teaching Philosophy And Practice
My goal as a teacher is to help each student achieve their best playing through proper understanding of the fundamentals and a positive attitude toward practice time.
This love of the fundamentals – and the need for a good mindset – stems from the many ups and downs I’ve experienced as a life-long, professional player. Each challenge I have been forced to overcome has shaped me into a more effective and compassionate teacher. I have been through multiple embouchure changes and do not want you to make the same mistakes that I made many times over during my career.
Teaching Methods And Goals
Along with the help I received from so many players over the years, I am also a voracious self-learner. As such, I’ve devoured just about every book on trumpet playing that I could find. What I learned – through many failed experiments – is that while each student requires their own unique approach, there are a few fundamental aspects of good tone production that apply to us all. These fundamentals are the foundation of what I teach and are continually reinforced until they become second nature. Then, you’re free to explore any music you like.
I also use my own method book which has compiled through years of teaching and practicing out of my favorite old texts. No stone is left unturned, no question too stupid and I will play, model and encourage you every step of the way. By the time we finish, I hope to have put myself out of the job 🙂
And just so you know, beyond the fundamentals of trumpet playing I am also passionate about teaching jazz improvisation, lead trumpet playing in a jazz style, and basic musicianship skills such as ear-training, sight-reading and rhythmic awareness.
All Ages and Experience Levels Are Welcome
As a teacher, I have been able to share a love of playing with many different groups of students. I began teaching the trumpet to younger students when I was in high school and have since attracted a more diverse crowd ranging from retired ‘comeback players,’ to self-starting adult students, and of course, younger players participating in middle school, high school and college music programs. You are welcome!
In Person And Online Lessons Available
I live in Lancaster City, PA near F&M college. You are more than welcome at my home for private instruction. If you are a parent investing in lessons for your child, you are encouraged to attend any and all lessons. However, I will say that once you are comfortable younger students tend to do best without mom and dad around.
One other option which has become very popular is online instruction using Zoom. This is the least time-prohibitive and easiest method to schedule. At this time, the vast majority of my students are taking advantage of the Zoom platform with zero loss in productivity. If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, it is very easy to use.
Free Introductory Lesson!
When it comes to enjoying and improving your skills as a player you need a teacher that you enjoy working with. That is why I offer a free, 30-minute introductory lesson so that we can get to know one another a bit before committing to ongoing lessons. Private instruction is an investment in your time and money and I want you to be sure that our time spent together is well-spent.
Lesson Tuition Rates
The monthly tuition for a weekly, 30-minute lesson is $120 USD. Tuition is payable at the first of the month and this rate includes both four and five week months. We take two weeks off around Christmas time and spring break. If for some reason we need to miss a weekly lesson, we will schedule a makeup at a time that is convenient for each of us. As you progress, if you’d like to bump up to 45 minutes per week, rates are simply prorated.
What Have You Got to Lose? Schedule Your FREE 30-Minute Lesson Now!
Call, email or drop me a line with the contact form below. Can’t wait to hear from you!
“James was great at explaining some concepts I have been struggling with lately. Sometimes we just need to talk out the road blocks to better playing. He then prescribed an exercise for me to try to correct the bad habits. Just finished up my first set and feeling better about the situation already. Check out James Blackwell, great teacher and really great person!”
“We had a great session working on some strategies for developing a mind-to-horn connection to facilitate improvising. James was passionate about the concepts, and it was clear that it wasn't just a tool he gave to students – it's part of his practice as well. I can't wait to continue working on what I learned in this lesson.”
“I have taken lessons from James for 5 years. They have been the best designed and most effective instructional sessions, in any field of endeavor, I have ever experienced. When he abandoned me with his move to another state, it turns out I wasn't abandoned at all. I have now been advancing my skill set via Skype. The lessons are absolutely as vibrant and beneficial as those that were conducted in person. There is nothing that is lacking or compromised due to this format; in fact, for some reason, we seem to cover more territory now than previously. Don't ask me why. Anyway, if given a choice between the two approaches, I would take the Skype route. And being able to project myself as a deeply focused student, staring at James with devoted eyes via this medium, while all along lounging in boxer shorts, is no small satisfaction.”
“Jame's skype lesson was not only beneficial but delivered in a very friendly and supportive manner. Further the use of skype made it very easy for me to schedule a time to suited both of us. Thanks James; I am now just waiting for the year to start properly so that I can see my diary and then schedule some more sessions with you.”
“If you are looking to improve your trumpet playing in anyway way, James is the guy! It is in my opinion that those teachers who have been through embouchure changes and then figured out how to apply basic fundamental playing ideas make the best trumpet teachers. James really knows what he is talking about as he has spent countless hours dissecting what it takes to be a great trumpet player. He is also a great listener and has a lot of empathy towards the many who struggle. I highly recommend James to anyone looking to improve their trumpet playing!”
“It didn't even take James 30 minutes to identify two key ways to improve my playing. One pertained to embouchure and the other to a type of exercise I had not yet included in my practice. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a quick fix. Both things required me to invest time in the practice room to reap benefits. But, even just a week later I was already noticing positive change. Now that the new approaches are integrated into my practice routine, I'm confident they'll continue to help me improve.”
“Great free session! I received excellent feed back from James on how to improve my playing. I definitely recommend getting in touch with James. Keep it going James.”
“I've known James a long time as a fantastic lead and jazz trumpeter, but it was only recently that I learned that he was a diligent student of that profoundest of enigmas: the trumpet embouchure. When I started having some difficulties with my set, I knew James would give me solid information to set me on a good path. In our discussions I've benefited from his unique blend of analysis, practicality, humor, and compassion. Each time he gives me plenty to think about and to explore, but he is never dogmatic about any of the advice he offers. I was previously skeptical of online lessons, so I was pleasantly surprised at the efficaciousness of the format! James knows what he's talking about, and if you've ever heard him play, you know he practices what he preaches!”
“I'm a freelance trumpet player myself. He has a lot of knowledge about trumpet playing and music in general! Very clear instructions. Highly recommend to everyone from beginner to advance players!”
“I’m pretty new to playing the trumpet and James did a fantastic job coaching me on my embouchure, posture and airflow. I have been taking Skype lessons through another provider and that was fine for learning the basics. But since James has been playing for a gazillion years, I think he’ll be able to help me with some of the nuisances of playing. I haven’t pulled the trigger, but I will probably sign up for a five-lesson set.”
“I’m pretty new to playing the trumpet and James did a fantastic job coaching me on my embouchure, posture and airflow. I have been taking Skype lessons through another provider and that was fine for learning the basics. But since James has been playing for a gazillion years, I think he’ll be able to help me with some of the nuisances of playing. I haven’t pulled the trigger, but I will probably sign up for a five-lesson set.”
“As a 48 year old trumpet player I have never had a single lesson in my rich trumpet career – a year and a half long :). In a half an hour free lesson over Skype James helped me a lot to correct some fundamentals and now I'm practicing like never before. Definitly I will take some more lessons in a future.”
“James rocks! He's given an old returning pro hope that I did know something once and that it's not just the bad habits that I remember. Thoughtful, patient and knowledgeable, James is an excellent teacher. Thanks, man. See you soon.”
“I came prepared to discuss and demonstrate a few bad habits related to my embouchure. James was patient and willing to work with me through these, which I appreciate. In fact, he pointed out that the actual issue was something completely different than I'd anticipated! I'm fairly confident that implementing these changes will help me enjoy more progress in trumpeting!”
“I did a trial Skype lesson with James and I can say it was very helpful. James is a great teacher and his assessment and advice was spot on! Definitely going to move forward with some paid Skype lessons!”
“I’m going to try not to make this review sound like a puff piece, but it’s not going to be easy. My first lesson with James took place a week ago. I knew I was going to need an hour for our initial session so I offered to pay the full rate, but James threw in the free trial lesson anyway and only charged me half the hourly rate. I should mention that the first time I picked up a horn was about four years ago, when I was in my early sixties, and despite having teachers and practicing regularly, progress was frustratingly slow. My tone was breathy, my attacks were hit or miss, and there was this horrible double buzz that I could never really shake. It’s no exaggeration to say that since the hour that James spent with me on FaceTime, there’s been a dramatic change for the better. After listening and watching me play, James made some specific comments about my embouchure, and suggested exercises to facilitate the transition to a more compact and focused embouchure. For the first time ever, I can hear some sizzle in my sound and the breathiness is disappearing. James also explained the role of the glottis in regulating the breath, and how using the glottis doesn’t mean that you’re not free blowing. That was a eureka moment for me. I’d been obsessed with keeping everything open while playing, which just caused tension and overblowing, and subjected my throat to huge strain, not to mention blowing the lips apart. Now I feel more confident in my attacks and no longer wake up in the morning with a sore throat. Obviously it’s going to be a long road ahead, and bad habits are hard to get rid of. But now at least, thanks to James, I feel like I have a handle on things. James is an attentive and sympathetic listener. He seems to possess that rare knack of being able to zero in on the actual difficulties of the student and proposing concrete solutions. I look forward to many lessons in the future.”
“I’m going to try not to make this review sound like a puff piece, but it’s not going to be easy. My first lesson with James took place a week ago. I knew I was going to need an hour for our initial session so I offered to pay the full rate, but James threw in the free trial lesson anyway and only charged me half the hourly rate. I should mention that the first time I picked up a horn was about four years ago, when I was in my early sixties, and despite having teachers and practicing regularly, progress was frustratingly slow. My tone was breathy, my attacks were hit or miss, and there was this horrible double buzz that I could never really shake. It’s no exaggeration to say that since the hour that James spent with me on FaceTime, there’s been a dramatic change for the better. After listening and watching me play, James made some specific comments about my embouchure, and suggested exercises to facilitate the transition to a more compact and focused embouchure. For the first time ever, I can hear some sizzle in my sound and the breathiness is disappearing. James also explained the role of the glottis in regulating the breath, and how using the glottis doesn’t mean that you’re not free blowing. That was a eureka moment for me. I’d been obsessed with keeping everything open while playing, which just caused tension and overblowing, and subjected my throat to huge strain, not to mention blowing the lips apart. Now I feel more confident in my attacks and no longer wake up in the morning with a sore throat. Obviously it’s going to be a long road ahead, and bad habits are hard to get rid of. But now at least, thanks to James, I feel like I have a handle on things. James is an attentive and sympathetic listener. He seems to possess that rare knack of being able to zero in on the actual difficulties of the student and proposing concrete solutions. I look forward to many lessons in the future.”
“Frankly I was skeptical about a web lesson using skype. I'm old fashioned. To my surprise it did work! James diagnosed my tone fairly quickly to then make some lips related suggestions. We then spoke about air, tongue and other known critical factors which I was anyway doing better. Definitely a knowledgeable trumpet teacher as he spoke about different approaches to brass playing. Will see him again and do recommend giving him a try !! Regards Riccardo”
“James is right on the money with everything. From the mechanics to the mental mindset, he has it going on and helped me get back on track. As a professional trumpet player, sometimes the workload makes it tough to practice effectively and perform efficiently, but James has the know how to make that journey easier for me. Thanks again for such a good lesson and hang.”
“Had a very productive trial lesson with James and will definitely be coming back for further lessons once i've worked through the exercises he's sending me”
“I'm two lessons in and I can say that James is an excellent instructor. I have accelerated my progress and I have learned more in two lessons than I have over several years. It's a master class on trumpet and I am glad I made the investment in myself and my trumpet playing.”
“After watching me play for about two minutes, James gave me two specific and easily executable suggestions that immediately and radically increased my efficiency as a brass player. I have a teacher with whom I work well and like a lot; but I really benefited from James' fresh eye and perspective. I was amazed at how effectively he could observe and indeed diagnose via Skype.”
“"James really gives these online courses with great attention and provides immense feedback. He is a great listener, and will give you all the attention you need. I'm planning to take more courses from him, just because he will push your limits without causing any stress. He told me to play some notes, and being an absolute beginner I thought I couldn't, but his aura makes you accomplish things. It's an enormous opportunity to find such a good teacher online. Thanks James!”
“Ed Coyle ed@egcoyle.com Old guy, Old dream As I stated in my first message to James, I am 73. I’ve wanted to learn to play trumpet since I was 10 years old. So here I am with a borrowed cornet and wobbly lips. James appears to be a dedicated musician and a compulsive teacher. He is driven to share his knowledge with willing students regardless of the students skill level or long range goals, if there are any at all. During our short “free” lesson, he honed in on my needs when I could not state them clearly myself. He offered a bit of theory and a few spot on exercises that have allowed me to make immediate and rapid progress. His spontaneous and fluid conversational way of communicating allowed for a half dozen asides that were unintentional but valuable add-ons to the session. James, thanks again for you enthusiasm and skill as a musician and a teacher. Ed Coyle 6/11/2020”
“I was thrilled with the lesson with James, .Such enthusiasm, with a rare ability to share skills without lecturing! He was also super organized with the global time zones and tech stuff, I came away feeling even more motivated, that I am going the right way to being capable on the horn, and he gently reinforced what to practise Thanks again.”
“By the time I came across James' online videos, I had already watched several hours worth of beginning instruction videos from various sources and was almost ready to give up. I just purchased a trumpet and, even though I knew that it is a difficult instrument to master, I realized that it would require much more work than I had imagined. However, it is not simply a matter of time spent practicing. Specifically, the correct embouchure is one of those things that will severely limit your ability to play unless you get it right at the beginning. I found that every instructor has a different method of teaching and that the instructions can usually be quite obscure. In other words, more often than not, you will watch someone who obviously plays well, but it is not apparent how he/she achieves that sound. I really liked the insightful, well explained and easy to understand nature of James' videos and got in touch with him for a free lesson which I ended up finding very useful. While my understanding of the correct embouchure improved during this short lesson, I know that it will take many more lessons and countless hours of practice to become somewhat more proficient on this instrument that I like very much. Therefore, I decided to continue taking lessons from James and I look forward to working with him along this path.”
“I took the 30min free lesson and I must say I’ve improved very quickly as a result. I had some serious blockages in understanding how to seal around the mouthpiece and was feeling extreme resistance in the air. I had passed the beginner happy phase and was hitting a plateau and frustration. The one advice that has helped so much is keeping my lips just touching as I breathe in – I have a habit of opening the entire mouth hole for that. The last week I’ve been hitting higher notes and am very pleased. Thanks James! Appreciated your target feedback.”
“What a find! James is professional, on time, and a great teacher. My son has improved after just one lesson. Highly recommend to all trumpet players! Thank you James!”
“As an absolute beginner, I was a bit nervous and didn’t know at all what to expect. No need to worry: James was super friendly and encouraging. He gave me just the amount of input I can process at this stage of my playing plus some tips for practice. The lesson was a real motivation booster, and my notes now start (mostly) when I want them to, not at some random point. Thank you, James!”
“James was a helpful, thoughtful, and clearly knowledgeable teacher during my free 30-minute lesson. I'm coming back to the horn after years of dealing with physical and mental issues around my playing, and James's ideas and strategies are working very well for me so far. James ran the lesson at a comfortable pace; I got a lot out of it, even in the short time we had. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this offer.”
“I'm a professional woodwind player who decided, against better judgment and advice, to pick up the trumpet. In all seriousness, the tips and tricks from James, plus his simple routine that he outlined, have been a great boon for me. I have a unique situation where my trumpet playing is far beyond my music vocabulary and theoretical knowledge, and he offered some great advice for getting started to bridge that gap. Definitely sign up for the initial lesson with James, check out his beginner videos, and sign up for monthly check-ins if you're already an experienced musician.”
“I agree with what others have said, James is very personable and puts you at ease quickly. The suggestions he made have already helped my playing. What a nice guy, can't believe he does all this for free! Thanks James and best wishes, Mike McFarland”
