This is the first post of a series highlighting our lessons instructors! Jared Gilbert teaches trombone, bass trombone, tuba, and euphonium. Originally from Shepherd, MI, Jared Gilbert received his Bachelor in Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. He also holds a Master of Music degree and the Doctorate in Musical Arts with a cognate in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is based in Greensboro, NC, and is an active performer and teacher. Keep reading to learn more about Jared's musical journey and his teaching style!
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Who were you primary teachers?
My first primary teacher was Dr. Steven Kandow, who was a graduate student at that time at Central Michigan University. I did not get into the school of music on my first attempt and I took lessons for a year from Steven in order to correct my technique problems. Although it was a challenging year, I benefited greatly from these lessons and was accepted into the CMU School of Music the next year. My next lesson teacher was Dr. Robert Lindhal, who continued improving my technique and musicianship for the next four years. I was so grateful to study with Doc Bob and improved greatly under his tutelage. My next lesson teacher was Dr. Randy Kohlenberg at UNCG. Dr. Kohlenberg continued to improve my technique and provided me several performance opportunities throughout the state. I am grateful for all that these teachers gave to me over the years.
How did you get started playing music, and what led you to your primary instrument?
I showed up to my instrument fitting meeting really wanting to play the trumpet. I was given a mouthpiece by the former band director at Shepherd High School and I struggled to get a good buzz and my embouchure was a little uncomfortable. He gave me a trombone mouthpiece and immediately had a great buzz and he told me "Son, you were born to play the trombone." I was so excited that I was able to get a quick buzz that I was motivated to continue playing trombone even when it was a challenge with the amount of work I had to complete for school. I loved watching the Star Wars movies as a kid and I wanted to learn how to play all of these cool songs I was hearing in the movies. It took a few years but I was so excited when I could finally play the imperial march!
Can you sum up your teaching style for students who may be interested in low brass instruments?
I want students to master fundamental exercises first and then move into learning content that interests them. I typically ask students what types of songs they would like to learn and work them towards learning these songs. I want my students to enjoy learning new songs on their instrument to help them see the rewards of their hard work.
What do you want students to take out of lessons?
I want them to see that they can develop a skill with careful practice and guidance. Ultimately, I really want the students to enjoy playing the instrument, whether that involves playing songs they like or practicing more challenging literature to improve technique and musicianship.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had teaching?
I have had so many great moments teaching and it is challenging to choose one. One that I will share is how much joy one of my students receives from being able to learn his favorite songs on his instrument. He enjoys learning a new song every couple of weeks and even learns some on his own because of how his ear improves learning these songs each week. He is so enthusiastic about lessons and enjoys learning songs and works hard to improve and build this skill. I truly think that as music educators, developing skills and a passion for music is our biggest goal.
What equipment or materials do you recommend for beginner students? Intermediate/advanced students?
I think for trombone, there are so many good brands of instruments out there and you do not need the most expensive instrument in the world to have a good experience. I think it is more important to develop good habits and effective literature to improve a student's musicianship and technique. Generally, a beginner should have a small bore trombone and a more advanced player should have a large bore instrument. However, beginners do not have much difficulty playing on large bore instruments.
What other musical endeavors are you involved in apart from teaching?
I am the Bass Trombonist with the Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra and I have played with Greensboro Opera, Bel Canto Company, Piedmont Wind Symphony and have played in different shows across North Carolina. I finished my doctorate at UNCG last year and am finishing up my second year as adjunct faculty at Averett University this spring.
Thanks, Jared!
Naomi Woods (Director of Music Education and Community Outreach, Violin Instructor) began studying the violin at the age of 9 and holds music degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. In her free time she daydreams about replacing the subflooring in her kitchen. Naomi lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband Tyler.
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