Our mission for Trombone Tutors is to make quality instrumental instruction more accessible to advancing musicians. With forty years combined experience in music education, we bring our students a wealth of expertise in technique, essential trombone repertoire, musicianship, performance coaching, and more. By utilizing a virtual platform, we are able to make instruction available to more students in more locations than previously possible.
To develop our curriculum, we tapped into our experience educating at the middle, high school, and collegiate level, then reimagined it for the intermediate student. Members can expect course material that reinforces fundamental knowledge and skills and supports achievement through weekly masterclasses, special live events, and full access to our archived content.
Meet the Trombone Tutors
Dr. Eric Henson
B.S. Education, Western Carolina University
M.M. University of Maryland, College Park
D.M.A University of South Carolina
Residing in Inman, South Carolina, Dr. Henson is currently the Low Brass Instructor for Spartanburg School District 5. Among other achievements in his studio, for four consecutive years, the first chair line-up in the SCBDA All-State band has included at least one of his students. Henson’s other teaching experience includes The University of South Carolina, Furman University, and Limestone University. An active performer, Henson holds principal positions in the Augusta Symphony, Spartanburg Philharmonic, and South Carolina Philharmonic. He has performed with the Atlanta, North Carolina, and Charlotte Symphonies and toured with the Untied States Air Force Heritage Brass. From 2008 to 2015, he traveled full time with The King’s Brass and can be heard on many of their albums. As a soloist, Henson was the grand prize winner of the IWBC solo competition in 2017, and performed at the 2018, and 2019 International Trombone Festivals.
Dr. Justin Isenhour
B.M. Appalachian State University
M.M. University of Northern Colorado
D.M.A University of South Carolina
Dr. Isenhour resides in Fort Mill, South Carolina. He is currently Associate Professor of Music and coordinator of the brass area at Winthrop University. Additionally, he maintains a private studio of high school and middle school students from the Charlotte Metro Area. He has taught in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arkansas. In each state, students from his studio have placed into the All-State bands and orchestras. Dr. Isenhour is an active performer holding positions in the Rock Hill Symphony, Augusta Symphony, and appearing frequently with the Charlotte Symphony. He performed or presented at the International Trombone Festival in 2017, 2021, and 2022. His most recent recording was with the Carolina Trombone Project on their album Mountain Ascent.
Our Approach
How It Works
Rather than using the “online lessons” format we all experienced during COVID, our program utilizes a play-along masterclass format in which students will receive guided instruction on a wide variety of material beyond their class repertoire. Subscribers will have the opportunity to ask questions, play for us, and access to our curated resources page. Can’t make a scheduled session or need a class on a previously covered topic? Catch up at your own pace in our archive!
FAQ
Q: What if I can’t make a scheduled session?
A: Not a problem! All sessions are recorded and saved in the archive. If you miss a session, catch up at your own pace.
Q: What if I have a question during a session?
A: If you have a question about something, ask in the in-call messages. The instructor will answer as soon as possible.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to participate?
A: Not at all! You can participate in all sessions using a cell phone and ear buds. However, there are a few things that will improve your experience. We have found that the audio is much better with a set of over-the-ear headphones. Likewise, the viewing experience is improved with a tablet (better) or laptop (best).
Q: What if sessions are too difficult/easy for me?
A: Sessions will vary in difficulty, and the instructors make every effort to plan sessions that will benefit the all members. If parts of a session are too difficult, we encourage you to try anyway. Every journey has a first step! If a session is too easy, try playing the material in a different octave, clef, or key.
Topics Covered
Our masterclasses cover a wide variety of intermediate level topics designed to help middle and high school students achieve their goals in their local programs, region, and all-state groups. Materials taught include age appropriate warm ups, range and tone development, practice techniques, daily routines, instrument maintenance, articulation, scales, key signatures, popular intermediate level etudes and solos, and region/all-state solos from members home states.