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I teach classical and jazz trombone to students of all levels. This includes beginners, middle and high school students, college students aspiring to be professionals, and adults who years ago played in high school and now want to play in the community band — whether that's here in Charlottesville, or
in your local community. Following a roadmap for teaching that I have fine tuned over 20 years, I start the process of turning a student into the best trombone player that he or she can be.
My main focus is meeting the individual needs of each student while keeping it a fun and challenging endeavor. I believe each student is unique, with his/her own set of needs, challenges and goals. How my students learn, their physical differences, and their reasons for playing the trombone all factor into the custom-tailored program I create for each of my students. |
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Achieving a robust, vibrant tone quality is the first goal that I set for my students because it is the foundation of great trombone playing. Tone quality is always a listener’s first impression of a trombone player. I work with my students on proper breathing, the path of the air through the throat, position of the mouth, teeth, and buzzing lips, and making sure everything is working properly in order to produce the best possible tone quality.
My next goal is teaching the student the proper coordination between the air, tongue and slide which is necessary for proper trombone technique. I use a variety of exercises, method books, songs and literature to help my students learn these techniques. While I work with them on tone, technique and literature, I am also instilling in them the various aspects of musicality, including phrasing, interpretation, intonation, dynamics, tempo and listening skills. This is an ongoing process and is geared to the level of the student.
As the student progresses, we work on exercises, scales, etudes, band music and other literature that will help them with school concerts, auditions, entrance into college, or whatever is needed or necessary for reaching a particular goal.
I have played and studied with some of the best jazz and classical trombonists in the world. With my background and experience I am able to offer well-rounded trombone and musical training. But don’t just take my word for it… |
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“Mr. Elwell is a very dynamic person and an excellent teacher. He has a way of being incredibly instructive but also very entertaining and fun at the same time making it easy and fun to learn the trombone. I would recommend Mr. Elwell to anyone who is interested in becoming a better musician.”
— Will Cosby, Senior, Western Albemarle HS, Crozet, VA; First chair trombone All-District Band 2010
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“Gary Elwell is a trombone instructor dedicated first and foremost to the well-being of his trombone students. He strives to know and work around the goals of his students, providing a constructive environment for those who are looking to play seriously, those just beginning on their instrument, and those just looking to play on an amateur level. I can say from personal experience that he is an excellent and experienced trombonist and a caring teacher. He’s always pushed me to the best of my ability, but he's also a great friend, always kind and generous. Mr. Elwell has been a continual blessing in my life, and I thank him for that.”
—Conner McCarthy, High School Senior, Charlottesville, VA; first chair trombone as a sophomore, YOCA (Youth Orchestra Charlottesville and Albermarle)
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“Mr. Elwell helped me reach my peak as a trombone player in high school. His emphasis on developing good tone was especially beneficial as a foundation for good playing. In addition, his attention to every detail of my playing allowed me to become very conscious of how I could improve in all areas. Although it can be tough having someone critique every aspect of your playing, there is no more effective way to get better at the trombone — and while he would rarely let imperfections go unmentioned, Mr. Elwell also always let me know when I was doing something right.”
— Lizzie Troyer, Junior, Cornell University;
First chair trombone,
Virginia District Band 2007
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“Gary Elwell has taught my son for three years. When he began, my son wasn't holding the instrument correctly or breathing rhythmically. When he got orthodontia, Gary helped him adjust to playing with braces. He has prepared him for successful auditions for All District Band and Evans Orchestra. We appreciate the time Gary takes to make sure his students are doing well in their school band. His interest goes beyond the weekly lessons; he even calls to see how auditions went. I would recommend Gary Elwell to anyone who wants to learn the trombone.”
— Kara Cox, Parent, 8th Grade Student
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Mr. Jefferson’s Bones performing the William Tell Overture, April 2009 with Gary Elwell playing lead trombone. |
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