Ian Carey has been a private music instructor for over twenty years. He is on the faculty of Sonoma State University and the Jazzschool, and has been a visiting instructor at California Jazz Conservatory, Stanford University, Santa Rosa Junior College, Oaktown Jazz Workshop, and the Stanford Jazz Workshop. He is currently accepting students of all ages and levels for lessons in the following areas:
TRUMPET, including jazz or classical focus. Ian's background includes studies with noted trumpet performers and educators including Vincent Penzarella (of the New York Philharmonic), the late Laurie Frink (New York trumpet guru and protege of the legendary Carmine Caruso), John McNeil (author of The Art of Jazz Trumpet and Flexus), Jay Rizzetto (of the San Francisco Ballet and Opera), Larry Engstrom (of the Reno Philharmonic) as well as noted jazz performers Cecil Bridgewater (of the Max Roach Quintet, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie), Tom Peron (Jessica Williams, Peron/Spangler Quintet), and Charles Tolliver (Jackie McLean, McCoy Tyner).
IMPROVISATION & HARMONY. Ian has taught improvisation to students of a variety of instruments as well as vocalists. His approach focuses on a combination of ear training, harmonic instruction, the study of jazz as language, and an emphasis on practical applications in real musical contexts. His background includes studies with a diverse group of master improvisers including Reggie Workman (who performed with John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk), Billy Harper (Art Blakey, Gil Evans), Joanne Brackeen (Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson) and Andrew Cyrille (Cecil Taylor, Charlie Haden).
COMPOSITION & ARRANGING. Ian is a jazz composer whose works have earned praise from DownBeat ("harmonically pleasing compositions... ★★★★½") and NPR ("the work of a musician pursuing his own thoughtful, painterly vision"). He has been the recipient of grants and commissions from Chamber Music America and Intermusic SF. His approach to composition instruction focuses on developing the student's compositional ear, on the study of counterpoint (with emphasis on contemporary applications), and on ways of avoiding clichés and conventions in favor of fresh approaches. His background includes studies with notable composers and arrangers including Maria Schneider (multiple-Grammy-award-winning director of the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra), Bill Kirchner (composer, author, editor, The Oxford Companion to Jazz), and Henry Martin (Rutgers University; winner, National Composers Competition).
Ian is happy to offer lessons online or in person. For more information or to schedule an introductory lesson:
Testimonials
“Ian is very knowledgeable and committed to his students’ progress. The learning environment in his studio is very comfortable, and I feel it’s safe to take risks for the sake of learning. Most of all, it is very apparent that his musical knowledge is wider and deeper than any teacher I’ve had.”
“Ian Carey is an extremely knowledgeable musician and composer who I hold in the highest regard. In the two and a half years that we have been working together I have found Ian to be an attentive, responsive teacher; he has many strategies to try and adapts his approach to meet my needs and abilities. I especially appreciate Ian’s ability to provide a context and rationale for the exercises he designs, tying them back to my goals and helping me feel I am moving forward on the right path. I wholeheartedly recommend Ian Carey!”
“You have made my trumpet playing skills much better. Everyone in my family has been saying ‘you are so much better than when you started.’ I myself think I have improved a lot and am ready for next year.”
“I have been studying with Ian for two years and feel fortunate to have found my way to his studio door. As an adult student returning to the horn I brought some good habits and many not so good ones. After one lesson Ian diagnosed where I was at and patiently began guiding me to trumpet health. He is a true master as a player, composer and teacher; his knowledge is encyclopedic on all levels be it fundamentals, technique, improvisation or theory. Only wish I had found him sooner! A journey of a 1,000 miles begins at his door for youngsters and oldsters alike.”
“Ian is very patient and calm and never gets mad when I mess up. He always teaches in a way I understand.”
“Ian is an absolutely wonderful trumpet teacher for my daughter. He is kind and patient teacher and a consummate professional. He spends time during their lesson both playing with her and also talking through explanations of the music and the notes, which is very helpful in giving my daughter a full appreciation of the music. He is so encouraging and really fosters a love and understanding of music, not just a memorization of notes and songs. I am amazed by how much my 9-year old daughter has learned in only one year! More importantly, she really loves the trumpet, and I believe that is truly a testament to the excellent teacher she has. She looks forward to her lessons every week, as do I! I could not recommend Ian more highly!”