Why Take Lessons?

Lessons are the best way for music students to develop higher-level skills specific to their instrument: technique, phrasing and expression, ear training, music theory and literacy, study of advanced etudes and solo literature, efficient practice habits, and more. Any band or orchestra director will agree that students who master these individual skills in lessons will make faster progress and reach higher levels of performance in their ensembles. More advanced skills mean more long-term playing opportunities and, ultimately, greater musical fulfillment and enjoyment.

Testimonials

"I would say what's improved most is my flexibility and my tone quality in the time I've taken lessons with Jon. He's very helpful, and thanks to his instruction I was awarded music scholarships that helped pay for my college education."

-Logan, 19, tenor trombone

"I 100% would recommend Gauer to anybody who's looking to improve as a musician. He's really good with teaching what you need to learn, and it's completely changed the way I play. He's also just a really great person, I've learned a lot from him life-wise, and I'm very grateful for that."

-Charlotte, 16, tenor trombone

"I learned a lot of things, like airflow techniques and music theory, that I wouldn't have learned in any class up until college. Jon is a good teacher, a great guy, he's not too serious, he'll throw a few jokes into your lessons, and he makes the lesson days fun."

-Thomas, 14, trumpet

"Mr. Gauer is an incredible teacher. The personal relationships he makes with his students are next-level. I've always seen a high level of success from all of his private lesson students, and we loved having him as a teacher at our school."

-Eric Andress, trombonist &

middle school band director

"You'll definitely learn more about yourself. You'll learn more about what's important, in music and outside of music. You'll never feel on-edge or nervous when you go into a lesson - you'll never feel more at ease with any other lesson teacher than you will with Gauer."

-Elvis, 22, bass trombone

"One of the best things that a teacher can do for a student is be someone the student looks up to, who's a role model, and someone they get along with. Gauer does a great job of getting along with everyone who comes into contact with him, especially his students."

-Casey Wilkes, multi-woodwind
artist & lesson instructor

Information

Areas of instruction

Lessons for all brass instruments: trombone, euphonium, tuba, horn, and trumpet
Masterclasses and chamber ensemble coaching for all brass instruments
Music theory
Jazz improvisation
Music technology: recording, audio post-production, computer music notation (Finale)
Guitar
Voice

My qualifications

Experience teaching at all age levels, from beginners through college students and adults
Pedagogical training under world-class music faculty at the University of North Texas
Unique skills and perspectives gained from years of professional performance experience
A track record for student successes including:
- Admission with scholarship to colleges of music including University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Denver, University of Colorado-Boulder, Colorado Mesa University, Ohio State University, Eastman School of Music, Montana State University, Ithaca College, and University of North Texas
- Finalists in International Trombone Association and International Trumpet Guild competitions
- All-Northwest Concert Band, All-Northwest Jazz, Colorado All-State Concert Band, Montana All-State Band, various Colorado All-County and All-City bands, and various Texas All-Region Bands
- Releases of their own original albums

View resume

Locations & Contact Information

Lessons are available in-person in Arvada, Conifer, Littleton, or Centennial. Remote lessons available for students anywhere in Colorado or the world. For rates, scheduling, and/or other questions, email me at gauer@jongauer.com.

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