As a musician, I consider myself both a performer and teacher; one is not more important than the other. And it is in doing both that I continue to propel my consistent improvement in both areas. I have had great teachers and mentors along my journey, and I am extremely lucky to be able to pass on my enthusiasm and passion of music to students of all skill levels.
I believe in meeting the student where they are in order to foster their innate and instinctive abilities. My pedagogy entails getting to know my students as people and individuals in order to cater lessons and music specifically to their needs.
I believe that having a solid student/teacher relationship is at the foundation of successful and enjoyable lessons.
I am aware that while some students may be on a path to becoming a music major or otherwise pursuing music as a career, many students are still very involved in a slew of other activities. Trumpet may not be their only extracurricular activity. This is more than okay! My goal is to connect with, support, and encourage each student.
Testimonials
“It’s an amazing experience taking lessons from a professional trumpet player. I learn things that I wouldn’t be able to learn from anyone else. She’s taught me to keep trying and not give up. I’m inspired by her performing and doing shows all over the country”
-Hudson (student)
“My daughter has been working with Theresa for a little over a year. She came highly recommended by my daughter's teacher and we both have enjoyed our experience with her. My daughter has REALLY made some great strides with Theresa and we certainly appreciate her diligence that she puts forth each lesson. She is a truly talented musician and instructor and it shines through!!!”
-RaShonda (parent)
“My son started trumpet lessons with Theresa the summer before he was in 5th grade and continued right up until his high school graduation. Theresa’s calm and supportive nature along with her constant encouragement made these lessons a highlight of his week. She is a consummate professional and extremely talented which elicited his respect and admiration. She played a major role in my son’s success in his musical ventures, but perhaps more importantly, showed genuine interest in him as a person.”
-Lisa (Parent)
“I took lessons with Theresa May for eight years. She is truly an amazing teacher, always very positive with constructive criticism. She helped me reach goals I did not think were possible. She also helped connect me to multiple groups to play in to hone my skills.”
-Chase (Student)
“Theresa has such a genuine way of building relationships with her students. She meets them where they are at and challenges them to push a little harder than they did before. She has introduced such beautiful music into our lives through her solo and duet selections she’s made for my son. We are so grateful for Theresa’s talents.”
-Marisa (parent)
“Theresa May is not only a teacher for me, but a role model. She encourages me to try and go outside my limits and learn new techniques to further my ability. She has provided me with so many opportunities and has helped me become the musician and person I am today. She has guided me to success with the trumpet and I'll be sad when I graduate and won't be able to take lessons with her. She is a great teacher for all skill levels.”
-Jacob (student)
“Theresa was recommended to me when my daughter first started playing trumpet two years ago. She is very patient and encouraging! She teaches the fundamentals so students are prepared for more challenging pieces.”
-Kate (Parent)
“We feel truly blessed that Theresa has taught our son for the past 7 years. Miss May challenges her students and shares her musical passion with them. It has been a pleasure watching our son's musical talent develop, as well as his confidence. Any student who has Theresa will thrive under her direction. She is AMAZING!”
-Sara & Chris (Parents)
“I’ve worked with Theresa for 8 years, since I was in 5th grade. She has been an amazing person and teacher for me. Guiding me in not only how to play my instrument, but how to enjoy playing my instrument. I’ve fallen in love with playing trumpet, and Theresa has helped open and show me more ways get involved with my instrument outside of school, especially with her work with Kaboom. I am so thankful that I started working with her a few months before my fifth grade year because I genuinely can’t imagine the person I would be without her guidance.”
-Meredith (Student)