Trombone and Tuba Lessons

Welcome to my studio!

Music is far more than notes out of a horn: it is a way to express our individuality.

Classical and jazz

All levels, ages 4th grade through adults.

Weekly lessons

Lessons for all students are weekly, and most are 50 minutes in length. Beginning lessons may be shorter. All lessons are in my Seattle studio.

Musical foundation

Trombone and tuba lessons build a strong foundation while taking into consideration each student’s pace and interests. Individual lessons address the fundamentals, such as:

tone production and clarity
musical lines and phrasing
rhythm
intonation
flexibility in performance styles
music theory
range building

I studied with Stan from age 9 on through high school. He is one of the most positive, encouraging, and thoughtful people that I know, and these attributes are self-evident in his teaching. I believe that Stan's genuine reverence for the beauty and emotionally compelling nature of music is what makes him such a fantastic musician to work with.

— Grant Reed, student

From showing me how to hold the trombone correctly, to demonstrating legato, to suggesting pieces that match my playing style, Stan was there to help at every step in my learning. His teaching style evolved with my growing ability and experience, from accompanying on piano as I learned scales all the way to listening and critiquing as I perfected solos. Over five years of weekly lessons I continually improved, and more than that, grew to love music more and more.

— Noah Younger, student

Chamber Music Ensembles

Middle and high school ensembles

Do you have a brass ensemble preparing to perform? I will coach your group at your school.

Why play in a small group?

Brass chamber ensembles are a dynamic setting for individual musical discovery and for connection among musicians. The small group allows musicians to explore, listen, and work together while playing brass music especially written for an ensemble of two to twelve persons. The collaborative technique honed in the small group, as well as the knowledge of musical repertoire, will also positively translate to each ensemble member's ability to play with a larger band or orchestra.

Coaching

My role is to encourage each musician and your group as a whole. This may include advising on music selection, giving direction on achieving a unified sound, and helping individual members to navigate technical challenges.

Types of ensembles

Common instrumentation:

trombone duo, trombone trio, trombone quartet
trombone choir (up to 12 members)
brass quartet (2 trumpets, French horn, trombone; or 2 trumpets, 2 trombones)
brass quintet (2 trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba)

About Me

I have a teaching studio in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood.

My schooling and professional life include:

Attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA.
As a freelance musician in New England, performed with the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops Esplanade, Boston Ballet and Boston Civic Orchestras.
After returning to my native Pacific Northwest, performed with a variety of ensembles including the Orchestras of the Fifth Avenue and Paramount Theatres; the Cathedral Brass of St. James Cathedral, Seattle; the American Sinfonietta/ Bellingham Festival of Music; the Pacific Northwest Ballet; and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

Founder of Cascadia Brass, a quintet that participates in festivals, concerts, and events throughout the Northwest.
Featured soloist with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra, Boeing Concert Band and Seattle Civic Band, among others.
Alumnus and faculty coach of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, including their summer festival, SYSO Summer Music (formerly Marrowstone in the City).
Adjudicator at local and regional solo and ensemble festivals.
Edwards Instrument Company artist.

Stan, more than anything you are passionate about your craft and an encourager of others. You thoughtfully walk the line between inspirational mentor and coach, and you truly care about each of your students, their advancement in music and in life.

— David Vandervort, parent of student

Stan's positive and enthusiastic personality, coupled with his sensitivity and perception, take him to the next level as a teacher. He has that rare ability to both inspire and understand. I can't recommend him enough!

— Tina Lowe, 1st violinist, Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, and violin teacher

An excellent performer and a dedicated, caring teacher.

— Walter F. Cole, Conductor Emeritus, Seattle Youth Symphony Organization

Contact

(206) 992-9341
stanjjeffs@gmail.com

It’s hard trying to learn a new instrument. I had to learn the bass trombone pretty quickly in order to keep up with the jazz band. I don’t think I ever could have done it without Stan Jeffs. He has years of experience playing in many prestigious ensembles. Stan makes it about you, and he knows when to push you to your limits, but never past them. And one more thing, on the day of my first lesson, I walked in not knowing what to expect, but then I walked out with a new friend.

— Carl Loacker, student

My experience with Stan Jeffs over the last 3 years of taking lessons from him has been nothing but great. Our lessons consist of 40 minutes of serious playing and getting better at trombone, and about 10 minutes of joking around and talking sports worked in in between. Stan’s a great guy, and an even better trombone instructor. He’s an amazing musician with a huge knowledge of how to play and of music theory in general. He makes learning and mastering the instrument a really fun thing. I can really say that I’ve become a much better musician while taking lessons from Stan, and have gained a really positive mentor. I would suggest Stan as a tutor to anyone who wants to learn trombone.

— Gavin Partington, student