As a young trumpeter, I wanted to be the best I could be at whatever I did. What I loved most in junior high and high school was playing music with my fellow bandmates. I didn't have access to private music lessons that would have helped me channel that love (and discipline) into even more joy of playing music. In college, what I loved most was playing music with my fellow bandmates (some of the s
ame ones that were in high school, now older!). I finally had access to private instructors in Don Kramer and Jim Buckner. Through the practice techniques that were taught and that I developed while preparing for my senior music recital (November 15, 1993), I wrote the book "How to Make First Chair" to help musicians of all ages turn their own work ethic into improved performance. In my older years, I was fortunate to continue my musical journey with Clint "Pops" McLaughlin (). Playing lessons I learned from Pops allowed me to have even more joy playing and performing music with the . The mission of the Gift of Music Foundation is to support music education by providing private lessons, masterclasses, scholarships, and more. Please Like and Share our page, and please consider donating to the Gift of Music!
