Any instrument, any background—there is a way to reach your authentic voice.

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Klezmer

Jazz

Avant-garde / Free music

Improvisation

Ear training / Pop&Jazz harmony

Brass technique

Groove Foundation

I offer an open-ended approach to build a unique path of study for each student to nurture their greatest musical interests. I draw on my diverse musical background and nearly two decades of experience teaching to meet students where they are, no matter the age, ability, musical style, goals, or instrument. 

I provide world-class, primary source expertise in klezmer trombone, creative improvisation and composition, jazz and harmony, developing a personal style, and building sustainable brass technique. No matter the genre, I work with all students to make connections between different musical practices to help them become a more empowered version of who they already are. Through playing, talking, and listening, we will learn how to move deeply towards the music we love, and learn how to master all the aspects of music most people say “can’t be taught.” 

My aim for our lessons is not just for you to become a better musician, but a musician who is more in touch with what makes you uniquely you. Alongside developing our skills of listening to music, we will also build up our ability to listen to ourselves so we can understand what we want and how to set goals to achieve it. Let’s work together to build your most fun and fulfilling musical life!

My pedagogy is informed by more than a decade on the faculty of KlezKanada, Yiddish New York, KlezKamp, and Temple University, working with eager students of all ages, ready to explore music as our forebears did. Part of the joy of educating is bringing to bear the combined experience of one’s own learning with that of one’s mentors and community.

Testimonials

  • "Dan completely transformed my musical experience.

    Studying Klezmer trombone with Dan is an exhilarating journey. His unmatched expertise, passion, and infectious enthusiasm for this rich & vibrant musical tradition have inspired me beyond words. His patient guidance & deep understanding of Klezmer music’s nuance & intricacies have allowed me to delve much deeper into possibilities I was unaware of.

    Through his personalized approach & unwavering support, he pushed me to new heights. Thanks to Dan, I became a better musician & discovered a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage of Jewish music that will forever shape my musical journey.”

    -Nathan Dell-Vandenberg, trombonist (Lemon Bucket Orchestra)

  • "A master musician, and fully understands what it means to be an effective teacher.

    Dan is capable of utilizing his diverse musical background in order to meet students on their own terms. Eclectic taste & open-mindedness allow him to draw fascinating connections, articulating things about music that most simply can not. Dan is fully committed to bringing out the best in me as a musician, leaving me excited to dig deeper in our lessons every week.”

    -Joey Sullivan, drummer (Florry, Bark Culture, The Ghost)

  • Rewired how I approach music, giving me joy & practical skills

    “I came to Dan as an ok klezmer clarinetist & aspiring jazz saxophonist. I didn’t know the basics of form, harmony and rhythm requisite for consistently solid improvisation. Working with Dan in-person & on zoom has completely rewired how I approach practice. While always encouraging me to remain authentic to my own ear & voice, Dan’s lessons greatly stretched my thinking & playing, giving me much joy in addition to very practical skills.

    The bottom line is that Dan is a truly excellent mentor who tailors his approach to the needs of his students. Himself an excellent composer & performer in a wide swath of musical genres, Dan has very patiently guided me in every aspect of playing & music theory needed by a horn player to come into their own.”

    -Dave K. (age 70), recently retired professor

  • "An absolute pleasure!

    Even though I’m a saxophonist and producer, my lessons with Dan pushed my musicianship forward quite a lot. We spanned over many topics and concept, such as, Albert Ayler, Klezmer, electronic music, and more. Dan really helped me cross-pollinate and connect disparate ideas and disciplines that I was grappling with at the time. I wholeheartedly recommend Dan to any musician looking to open their mind to new ways of thinking about music and just pushing their musicianship forward in general.”

    -Justin Bartlett, engineer & producer (Studio 4)

  • "A tremendous teacher.

    I came to Dan as an adult learner who had worked with other teachers before, but he was the first who went out of his way to tailor our lessons to my own particular needs & wants. Dan got to know me as a player, asking open-ended questions to find out my goals & aspirations for our time together. This immediate inclusive nature made me feel more comfortable & heard than any prior music instructor.

    Our lessons are routinely split between playing, talking, and listening, with Dan stressing the importance of each. He always finds a non-judgmental way to offer support & criticism, while genuinely hearing my own opinions. I can unequivocally say I am a better trombonist since taking lessons with Dan and would recommend him to any other musician who is looking for help in myriad musical directions.”

    -Connor Przybyszewski, trombone

  • "With an ear for his students' strengths,

    Dan can direct his teaching accordingly. I have studied with Dan in large ensembles (30+ people), small ensembles (7 people), and one-on-one. He is a capable teacher who meets his students where they are at, helping everyone to feel included & competent while still challenging his students to be creative and try new things. Dan’s enthusiasm for his craft is infectious.”

    -Stefanie Brendler, baritone horn

  • “Working with Dan was a turning point for my relationship with music.

    Prior to my lessons, I spent 7 years without a brass lesson. I had major weak areas. Dan easily adapted to my non-linear style of thinking, clearly articulating his wisdom & giving me a sense of ease to express myself. My playing took off within a few months. What I thought was impossible (sharp articulation on french horn, solo playing, stronger high register, making the most of my limited practice time) became points of confidence for me. Now, I have these skills, and an expanded repertoire of compositional/improvisational possibilities.

    Working with Dan also expanded my professional opportunities. I’ve played with Matt Lavelle’s 12 Houses big band, Kevin Diehl’s Airlift (a trio with Pew Fellow Toshi Makihara & Carlos Santiago), and crafted a site-specific work for the Philadelphia Magic Gardens.”

    -Aaron Pond, improviser & curator