Holly Schaff
About
I started playing the trombone 40 years ago, obtained my Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the Peabody Conservatory, and got my Postgraduate Diploma in Trombone Performance from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. My experience as a professional player spanned several genres and ensembles, from orchestras to party bands to Renaissance music. After several years away from music, during which I expanded my creative and performance skills to include acting, writing, and comedy, I now teach brass instruments full-time and bring those skills to bear in online lessons.
Teaching Style
My 40+ years of musical experience have taught me that JOY is as important as knowledge and technique. We'll pursue a learning trajectory that suits you and your goals (large or small!), all while providing you with the encouragement to enjoy the process as well as the results. My teaching style is dynamic and positive; I want you to look forward to your lessons. And I have both the teaching and performing chops to challenge you and impart some serious skills. I've taught a wide range of students -- from children who've never before picked up an instrument, to accomplished high schoolers, to adults who've always wanted to learn and finally have the freedom to do so. I enjoy helping people as much as I enjoy performing, and I'd love the chance to inspire and encourage you however I can. (My recommendation for young, beginning students is half-hour, weekly lessons. This gives us the opportunity for regular check-ins, without overwhelming them with too much information at once.)
Curriculum
I can work with just about any method book the student may already have, and own copies of Essential Elements, Standard of Excellence, Tradition of Excellence, Accent on Achievement, and the Rubank series. If a student doesn't have a book from a band class, I'll assess their natural range and suggest one of these for them based on natural ability and learning style.
Credentials & Affiliations
In addition to my performance degrees, I've taught private lessons on and off since 1999, and have been teaching online since 2017. Teaching has been my full-time occupation since 2020. A previous online site ran regular background checks, so parents can feel safe when I teach their children.
EDUCATION
1997-1999 Postgraduate Diploma, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK
1993-1997 Bachelor of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
1999-Present Private music lessons on: trombone, baritone/euphonium, trumpet/cornet, bugle
Teaching independently and through: The Alexander School, Rockville, MD and Alexandria, VA
PERFORMING EXPERIENCE
2001-2004 Metro D.C.
* Mantovani Orchestra, Holiday Tour 2003, principal
* Prince George’s Philharmonic, principal (2001-03)
* The Frederick Orchestra, principal (2001-02)
* Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble, sackbut
* Montgomery College Jazz Ensemble, principal and trombone instructor
* Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, principal (2003)
* Private teaching in MD/DC area (including The Alexander School, 2001-03)
* Freelance work in MD/DC area, including the following organizations:
- Star Spangled Big Band of Frederick, MD
- George Carroll Swing Band
- McLean Bible Church, multiple ensembles
- 4-Star Entertainment
1999-2000 Brighton, England
* Internship, music and worship focus, New Frontiers International
* Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra, Worthing, England
* Alethian Brass Ensemble, principal
* Alethian Orchestra, principal and soloist
* Les Paul Big Band, substitute
1997-1998 Manchester, England
* Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) Symphony Orchestra
* RNCM Brass Band
* RNCM Wind Orchestra
* RNCM Brass Ensemble, principal
* RNCM Jazz Collective
* RNCM Trombone Ensemble, 1st trombone
* RNCM Sackbut Ensemble
* External performances with RNCM brass groups
* Challenge Brass Quintet, semifinalists in the brass quintet competition of the
1998 Joue a Musicora a la Villette, Paris
1993-1997 Baltimore, MD
* Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, extra (Berlioz Messe des Morts), 1996
* Peabody Symphony Orchestra
Principal, 94-95; associate principal, 95-96; assistant principal, 96-97
* Peabody Wind Ensemble, principal
* Peabody Wind Ensemble, euphonium
* Peabody Trombone Choir
* Peabody Camerata (20th Century Ensemble), principal
* Peabody Wind Serenata, principal
* Peabody Jazz Ensemble, principal
* Peabody Conductors’ Orchestra
Substitute, 93-94; bass trombone, 94-95; principal, 95-97
* Pierre Monteux School Orchestra (conductors’ school, Hancock, ME)
* Sandy Cove Brass Quintet
* Freelance work in MD area
DISTINCTIONS
* Winner, DC Army National Guard Band audition
* Guest musician with ZIZ Horns at Keswick Jazz Festival, England, 2003
* Soloist (Albrechtsberger, 1st mvt.) with Alethian Orchestra, England, 2000
* First Place Winner, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra mock audition, 1996
* Presser Scholar, 1996
* Peabody Merit Scholarship
STRENGTHS
* Exceptional sight-reading
* Professional attitude and pleasant demeanor
* High-level ensemble skills
* Comfortable with wide variety of musical styles and performance
environments