Education
Bachelor of Music-Montclair State University
NJ Teacher’s Certification
Expertise
He has performed with ensembles such as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Queens Symphony, The New Jersey Festival Orchestra, The Orchestra Now at Bard, Richmond County Orchestra, Gramercy Brass Orchestra, Imperial Brass Band, as well as Rhebel Brass quintet, and many others.
Wes also teaches beginning band & strings full time in four out of the fourteen elementary schools in Clifton NJ. He has been teaching applied tuba and euphonium lessons at Kean University in Union NJ since 2016, as well as maintaining a private studio of all ages and levels.
Many of those private students have successfully auditioned for NJ region and All State band and orchestra, achieving high chairs in each ensemble. Others have earned music scholarships to attend many top level colleges.
Years
Ages Taught
9 years old – 1000 years old
For low brass, many beginners begin in 4th-6th grades, depending on their school district’s instrumental music offerings. Many other students migrate to the lower brass from other instruments as they continue through school to accommodate the needs of their school band.
Then of course, there are the young-at-heart students who always wanted to learn an instrument but were not able to in their early years. Some others are returning after a long break from playing music. I enjoy teaching any student who is willing to learn regardless of when they begin or where they are on their musical journey.
Instrument(s) Taught
Tuba, Low Brass including: Euphonium, Trombone, & Baritone
Availability
In-Person
What do students need to bring to their first lesson?
An instrument, a mouthpiece, goals, and questions.
Learning Goals
Sound first! Producing a pleasing tone on a brass instrument is the most important part of what we do, so that’s where we start through our warm up exercises.
Supply List
Metronome or metronome app, warm up packet (supplied by me), method book, etude books, solos
Time Commitment
For mature middle school and high school students, I recommend 1 hour lessons every week. For younger beginners, depending on their attention span and maturity level, I recommend a 30 or 45 minute lesson every week.
Between lessons, students should practice their instrument at least 5 minutes everyday. The fine facial muscles it takes to play a brass instrument should be used everyday to ensure comfortable playing habits. Students can always practice a bit longer for quicker progress, but that daily 5 minutes is the minimum.
Remember, only practice on the days that end with a letter Y!