Caleb Mitchell
About
Learn to play the trumpet from a working trumpet player with 15+ years professional experience!
Caleb moved from his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, to Chicago in 2008 to attend DePaul University, where he received his Bachelor’s in Trumpet Performance studying under Matt Lee and Tage Larsen. Since then, Caleb has picked up a variety of regular gigs across a wide spectrum of styles, genres, and types of events.
Caleb regularly performs in Chicago with his original funk band Nasty Snacks. He also plays with The Chicago Players and The Hemispheres, bands known for performing at weddings and other high-profile events in the Chicago area and beyond. Additionally, Caleb occasionally tours with Bassel & The Supernaturals, a group that blends soulful melodies and funk-inspired rhythms to tell the story of Bassel Almadani's experience as a first-generation Syrian-American. Caleb also performs with swinging pop band The Imperial Sound, with roots in 1970's AM radio and Chicago soul, and with the Victor Torres Band, a collection of Chicagoland-based touring and session musicians who create an eclectic musical journey through funk/soul-rock instrumentals. Every Sunday he also performs alongside an amazing gospel choir at Lighthouse Church Of All Nations.
He has also played the national anthem for the president at opening night of the Chicago Bulls season, been featured at Chicago Blackhawks games, as principal trumpet in symphony orchestras, in pit orchestras and in the DePaul Screamin’ Demons Pep Band at Madison Square Garden. Caleb also regularly lends his solo talents to wedding parties and church services, and is one-fourth of the Chicago for-hire horn section Revolution Horns. Other musical endeavors include a performance on the Steve Harvey Show, playing trumpet for the Broadway musical I Love Lucy in downtown Chicago, and a coveted chance to perform in master classes for his idols Adolph “Bud” Herseth and Chris Martin.
Caleb has been teaching privately in the Chicago area since 2012 and is eager to teach students with any amount of experience, especially those who are eager to approach music from a variety of perspectives.
Teaching Style
I believe that the best way to teach a brass instrument, at any level, is simply to check in and make sure that the student has a great understanding of what a beautiful sound is on their instrument. This is done in a patient and positive environment, filled with the best possible music making to serve as a model to aspire to. With small, attainable goals and the encouragement to practice at least a small amount on a daily basis, you cannot help but improve while hopefully having a good time playing whatever music interests you. The journey is a bit different for everyone, but anyone can make a beautiful sound, and go from there!
Curriculum
I like to strike a balance of teaching out of various method books (depending on the student and their level of ability, some are more suitable than others of course and I help guide the way), and learning to play by ear, which can be almost anything the student wants to learn, provided it's not overly complicated for them. Technique has it's place, but is certainly not the whole story. Learning music that is fun, while at the same time learning to get better at your instrument, makes the overall process enjoyable and rewarding. Once you have the right tools, music is something that can be fulfilling for the rest of your life, especially when you learn to do it in a fun and healthy way.
I like to use:
Walter Beeler Methods Book 1 and Book 2
Claude Gordan Tongue Level Exercies
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelors in Music Performance (Trumpet) / DePaul University / Aug 2008 - Jun 2012
National Trumpet Competition - Semi-Finalist / Mar 2006
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Illinois Federation of Teachers
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ASCAP
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