“We've all seen
countless trumpet players distracted by the "approach of the
month" mindset. Always searching for the magic pill to cure the ills
of their trumpet playing. John's teaching comes as close to this illusive
quest as anything I've encountered. Its not magic though, its just good
old fashioned fundamental trumpet playing combined with the most
effective, positive habits that a player can commit to.
John's students
almost immediately gain a completely new sound concept, and a way to use
their air. The results have been remarkable. His students find a way to
express themselves beyond the old limitations of endurance and range that
defined their playing just weeks before. John's teaching can help a
student get beyond the negative expectations they have been conditioned to
accept. If a student is truly serious, John will show them a sound they
never dreamed they could or would make. He has my highest recommendation,
and my thanks for the positive impact he has had on my playing and
musicianship.”
Scott Rutledge, Director
of Music, YMCA Center for the Creative Arts
________________________________________________________________________
"John Piazza
is one of the finest trumpet players and teachers that I know. John's
"sound instruction" is based on modeling a beautiful sound for young students,
and is a highly effective method of trumpet instruction. He is an enthusiastic,
dedicated teacher and musician, and I recommend him highly."
Dr. Todd Kelly, Associate
Professor of Music, Instructor of Trumpet, Bradley University
________________________________________________________________________
“John Piazza has
been the most influential trumpet teacher, and now friend, that I have
ever worked with. His method of teaching sound production is unmatched in
the Central New York area. My studies with John has been over the last 8
years. During that time I have earned 3 degree's in music. Through John I
have been afforded the opportunity to gain professional experience as a lead
trumpet player for Carnival Cruise Lines. I am now choosing which school I
would like to attend for a trumpet performance masters degree. Though I have
studied with some tremendous trumpeters such as George Rabbai, Bob Early, Dr.
Byran Applebye-Wineberg, Lew Soloff, and Dan Sapocetti, the implementation of
his teaching has made me the musician I am today.”
Dorian Mohar, Lead
Trumpet, Carnival Cruise Lines, San Pedro, CA
________________________________________________________________________
“After playing
trumpet for 8 years in grade school, 5 years in college pursuing a music
degree, and getting fired from my first professional gig, I spent 3 months
sitting beside John on my 2nd gig listening to his sound. After a couple of
lessons with John I continued on for the last 11 years with the same company,
and was quickly promoted to Musical Director. Recently during a slump, I flew
in to spend a weekend with John, and once again he turned my playing completely
around. We didn’t even spend a lot of time one on one; I actually sat in on a
few lessons with beginning trumpet players. John’s focus on consistent full
sound production has been the key to my success, and I would not be a working
musician today without his help. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned
professional, John’s approach will benefit you.”
Larry Burroughs, Senior
Musical Director/ Lead Trumpet, Carnival Cruise Lines, Civitavecchia,
Italy
________________________________________________________________________
Roger Lent, Free
Lance Trumpet & Pianist, New York, N.Y.
THE fusion flame
was alive and flourishing in trumpeter John Piazzas' playing the first time I
heard him. What kind of fusion, one might ask, since jazz has been fusing in
all kinds of directions in the last few decades? for Piazza, the answer is:
whatever musical connection appeals to him at any given moment.
I first met Piazza
whose stellar career encompasses a sequence of musical direction reaching from
a vast diversity in style and execution aboard Carnivals premier vessel the
Conquest. It had become eminently apparent that John Piazza is the most
consistently scintillating and inspiring trumpet player and leader and
educating force in the many genre he lends himself. The multi-talented Director
brings a muscular yet lyrical eloquence to everything he lends his artistry,
always delivering galvanizing and forceful work, digging deeper into
improvising while bringing a crackling vibrancy to his performances. Piazzas'
music is roll up your sleeves, in your face, hard bop blowing of rippling
melodic song. His playing is different, edgier, more thought provoking that the
usual jazz fare. He gives more.
Most of my time
spent with John was highly effective and responsive to improving my areas of
weakness in my own brass playing. He shared a collection of material that aptly
combines the jazz, classical, blues, funk, rock and groove aspects that are
essential to an aspiring professional style. The resulting high-voltage
mentoring offered a virtually non-stop stream of big full sound, all of it
state-of-the-art contemporary uniqueness that no other teacher or leader or musical
director has contributed to my benefit and growth in so many ways! I cannot
Thank you enough for all you have done!!!
Michael Matson, Free
Lance Lead Trumpet, Los Angeles, CA
I have known John
Piazza since he first started playing the trumpet. We played in our high
school band together. From then, you could see how gifted john was.
He always possessed a beautiful tone and quickly acquired the necessary skills
to develop into the amazing trumpet player he is today. Not only can he
teach the rudiments, but he will help you become the type of trumpet player you
dream of becoming. He demistifies the language of jazz. He has
turned my playing around, and in only a few lessons. John is a true
mentor. He explains "how" to play the trumpet better than
anybody. John lives the life, believes in the music and he believes in
his students. John is cool, he is the real deal.