James K. TakeLessons Instructor Jazz/Classical Trumpet, music theory and beginners piano Smyrna, GA

jamesk

trumpet

James attributes his involvement in music to his mother and older brother.  When James reached middle school, he started music lessons offered in school.  Wanting to follow his brother, he picked up the trumpet and has since gained his own musical spirit.

Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, James and his family moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and there he began performing with various ensembles in and out of school. He continued to excel in music and received the Musicianship and First Chair Awards consecutively in middle school and was selected to perform in the all-western Connecticut concert band.

James discovered his true love for the trumpet after taking a two year absence to play high school football and the drums. When he returned to the trumpet, he was introduced to jazz by his music director. “Jazz was the only genre in which I heard a commanding voice for the trumpet. In jazz music, you’re not boxed in and you are free to make your own interpretations,” James said. He began performing with the jazz ensemble in school that competed regularly at the Berklee College of Music Jazz Festival. While a member, the ensemble placed 2nd at the Norwalk Jazz Festival and performed at various events across the state. James’s presence in the jazz, symphonic orchestra and concert bands contributed to the one gold and two silver awards in the Heritage Festival, making it evident that he possessed a special gift. 

James’ mother, a classically trained singer, recognized his musical ability, but was hesitant about her son pursuing music professionally. “She feared the possibility of me being a struggling musician, but I know that through God, all things are possible. What makes me happy is playing my trumpet,” he said. He received a B.A. in Music/Trumpet Performance from Morehouse College in 2006, where he performed in the Marching, Concert and Jazz ensembles.  While there, he received a performance scholarship and was initiated into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. He now attends Georgia State University where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies.

Students can expect to learn how to play the trumpet.  Furthermore, the students will have the opportunity to receive education about the trumpet that will help the student in either preparing for a professional career in music, or just playing for fun.  My curriculum will vary depending on the level of the student.  From basic fundamentals of playing, this includes breathing, articulation and flexibility.  These three elements are the basic foundation for all trumpet players across the world.  I will work with all students to improve there performance in all areas which will affect there playing.  I am a laid-back teacher however; I do know that you cannot learn how to play the trumpet by just having one lesson a week.  It would be for the students' best interest to have at least 3 to 4 hours a week, which is 30 minutes a day, to focus on the problems they have.  After a period of three months of consistent lessons and practice, the student will see major improvements in playing.  I not only want to show how to play the trumpet, I also want to show the student how fun it is to play the trumpet.  Whether you are a young student learning to become a professional or an adult trying to learn how to play an instrument just because, the experience you will receive will be unlike any other. 

Specialize in Jazz Performance and Theory

Westhill High School - General Education - 09/1998-06/2002
Morehouse College - Music Performance (trumpet) - 08/2002-05/2006
Georgia State University - Jazz Studies - 08/2006-Present

Jazz/Classical Trumpet, music theory and beginners piano