Reviews

"I began playing trombone in 2017 after my retirement. I had previously played piano but I was interested in learning a low brass instrument. I joined a chapter of the New Horizons Band in the beginner’s band for the first semester. As part of my membership, I was assigned to a student instructor. My instructor was Blake Lawson. I could tell immediately that Blake had taken on the part-time instructor job not for the money, but because of his love for teaching. And he was a fantastic teacher. As a result of his instruction, my skills rapidly advanced. I moved up to the intermediate band in the second semester, and I again moved up, this time to the advanced band, playing with musicians who had played for most of their lives. I credit Blake with my rapid rise through the levels.

I lost Blake as an instructor after taking lessons for two years when he completed undergraduate school. I subsequently moved to another state, but kept in touch with Blake. After COVID, Blake informed me that he was able to give lessons over Zoom. I immediately resumed my lessons with him, and was amazed with what he could do, long distance, over Zoom. I am continuing my lessons with him through this medium today. Blake is very proficient in finding weaknesses in technique and prescribing drills to enable the student to shore up technique and improve playing proficiency. He also knows how to gently nudge the student into areas of discomfort, enabling further improvement in technique and performance. I highly recommend Blake as a fabulous instructor as well as an outstanding individual and role model."