Many people have had an important role in my development as a musician. Glenn Dodson, former principal trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, was my teacher at the Curtis Institute of Music, and is largely responsible for my concept of sound. He was one of the greatest principal trombonists ever. Occasionally a friend in the New Mexico Symphony will say to me, “I heard Glenn in that solo you played tonight.” That is a good day at work!
The person who most influenced my pedagogy is Sam Pilafian, Professor of Tuba at Arizona State University. His dedication to the art of teaching music is enormous. He has incorporated pedagogies from across the western world, as well as from the past two centuries.
The “Chicago school of playing” has impacted my approach to music, through studies with the legendary Arnold Jacobs (former tubist with the Chicago Symphony, Michael Mulcahy (second trombonist with the Chicago Symphony), and Charlie Vernon (bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony). While living and working in Chicago I learned how to expand my musical “tool box” and mature as an artist.
A weeklong seminar with Swedish soloist Christian Lindberg has taught me to put the art of communication first in performance.
I am thankful for the fine jazz department at the University of New Mexico. The teaching of Glenn Kostur and Dr. Bruce Dalby has made me a smarter musician, and given me “bigger” ears.
I am grateful to Karen DeWig, my Alexander Technique teacher, for showing me the way to approach trombone playing with ease and efficiency.
Abbie Conant, trombone performance artist, has had an immeasurable impact on my artistry, and my awareness of the power of music.
My high school band director, Jeffrey Renshaw, was the first person to inspire me to strive for excellence. He is the reason I chose to become a musician.
Violinist Nathan Milstein, pianist Vladimir Horowitz, cellist Christophe Coin, soprano Kathleen Battle, trombonist Michel Becquet, the legendary jazz trombonist JJ Johnson, and many other world-class performers have been my teachers, through countless hours spent studying their recordings.
My trombone students have been the source of my motivation to excel at teaching. As a performer, I believe that I am making a difference in the world. When I teach, I know that I am making a far greater contribution.
