"Never Too Old! "
Trumpet lessons with Laurie have literally changed my life. I am a "come-back" player returning to the instrument after a lapse of some 50 years, and also very old! I was very apprehensive about taking up the instrument again, but longed to do so, finally plucking up the courage to start again, with the encouragement of my wife. Laurie has embraced "my music" - traditional jazz - which is not his main genre or forte, so there is something of a mutual exchange of knowledge.
He has introduced me to stimulating practice pieces that I never had opportunity to use when I first learned. He has induced a discipline and regime which is not only pleasurable but is precisely tailored to my abilities and age. He has great patience and is full of encouragement. I have been learning again for some 10 months now, and am managing to play many pieces from the repertoire of my old Jazz Band - still a long way to go - and getting through the exercises, as well as theory, which I missed or had forgotten all those years ago. My embouchure and sight reading are becoming more developed and improved weekly.
Having the opportunity to learn from a master, with practical demonstration and example, is something I never had previously experienced; it makes a huge difference. Laurie's versatility and range of trumpet technique, ability and empathy for the student is, I believe, a rarity. I am ALMOST feeling confident enough to try sitting in with a band again.... Cannot recommend him highly enough.
Stephen Levrant, age 72.
