Teaching
Where do you teach?
I currently teach at the Rheinische Musikschule in Cologne, the Josef Metternich Musikschule Hürth, and Privately at different locations.
What methods do you use for teaching?
My main teachers in the US were students of Arnold Jacobs. My main methodology is based on his works, as well as the ideas in Psycho Cybernetics, from Maxwell Maltz. As Brass players we must use our mind to create the impulse for creating sound. Air is also important. Using Visualization or Hypnosis-like states to create new habits in breathing and sound production are also important. Beyond that, as Mr. Jacobs always said, the most important aspect of music making is to communicate with someone else. To that end, any method books, and routines etc can be used as long as the focus is put on musical thought.
What do you consider a successful student?
A successful student is one who has understood the basic concept of mind over matter. That communication of musical ideas is the most important thing. That these lessons are the cornerstone of most of living, and not simply isolated elements of art. Wherever that takes the student, it doesn't matter. They must decide what to do with the knowledge.
What other things do you use in your teaching?
I used some breathing trainers, BERP, and mouthpiece playing etc, to introduce “strangeness”. But I like to use my NLP, Hypnosis, and coaching skills to help students plan practice sessions, define practice goals, and maybe even give them insight into where they might like to go with their knowledge.
