I'm Phil Holland and as you may have guessed I play the trumpet.  This is the part where I'm supposed to brag about how awesome I am and all the really cool things I have done as a trumpet player.  I'll give it my best shot!

When you read what I write here you will be SO amazed that you will throw money at me and BEG me to teach you or your child. (I hope you can tell my tongue is firmly implanted in my cheek)

I am a trumpet player so I guess I've done my fare share of bragging.  As I approach my fortieth birthday this year I mostly feel overwhelmed by the good fortune in my life.  I have always loved being a trumpet player.  When I was a kid I was showered with love and encouragement from every direction.  

My mother, Lorraine is the finest musician I know.  A classical pianist who defines passion and work, she grew up on a ranch in Colorado pouring herself into the pursuit of creativity, artistry and excellence.  She went on to earn her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at the Eastman School of Music and surrounded the four Holland kids with music, love and creativity.

Harvey Holland was my wonderful father who has now passed away.  I miss him so very much.  He bought me my first trumpet when I was ten and never grew tired of my constant practicing.  I was so proud when I learned to play "Amazing Grace" by ear for him.

My two older brothers and sister were and still are a shining beacon of inspiration to me.  They were all spectacular musicians and were and continue to be so kind and patient with their obnoxious little trumpet playing brother.

Jeff Bailey, principal trumpet in the Nashville Symphony was my first teacher.  Jeff has been a lifelong teacher, mentor and friend and I will be eternally grateful for his kindness, love and generosity.  I began as his student in 1986 and still look to him for guidance.  

Through high school and beyond there have been so many key players that have given to me.  I hope my students benefit from their generosity.

Thanks to the countless positive forces in my life I have been lucky enough to do a few things worth bragging about.  I'll mention a few and hope they provide some context and help you get to know Phil the trumpet teacher.

As a high school student I was the first chair All-State trumpet player in 10th, 11th and 12th grade for Tennessee.  (Thanks for all your help there Mr. Waters!)  When I has a Junior in high school, I participated in the John Philip Sousa National Honor Band.  It was a band composed of all state players from all 50 states.  I was first chair.  My senior year I auditioned for and won lead trumpet in the McDonald's All American High School Jazz Band.  It was so cool because it was also sponsored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.  As a member of the band I was one of the Grammy Nominee's for "Outstanding High School Musician of the Year".  We all spent a couple of weeks in New York and attended the Grammys.  What a kick!

As my senior year wrapped up I auditioned for and was accepted into the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.  (Thanks to Rick Steffan for HUGE encouragement!)  I couldn't have been more excited to attend my mom's alma mater from over thirty years earlier.  At Eastman I studied with Charlie Geyer and forged what would turn out be many of my most important life long friendships.  Eastman is an amazing place but I and all of my friends will tell you 1992-1996 were the best!

After Eastman I won a position playing Co-Principal trumpet in the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band and Brass Quintet.  I served for four years and then won a year position playing Associate Principal in the Virginia Symphony.  Now we are in 2001, in a leap of faith and on the strength of my friendship with Jeremy Kondrat, the band director at Plano Senior High School and friend from Eastman I moved to Plano, Texas to teach and freelance.

I tell people constantly that I am the luckiest type of teacher.  From my time beginning with a student just after fifth grade I often have SEVEN years to work with my kids.  I don't have the burden of having to "fix" someone in a year or even two.  Time is the most powerful of teachers and it is on my side.  I didn't invent the trumpet and certainly am not reinventing the wheel with my teaching.  My students humble me with their obedience and dedication.  What they continue to accomplish amazes me.  If you're curious about my student's accomplishments send me a note and I'll brag about THEM to you!   

If you read this far then you also understand patience! I'd love to hear from you.  Please say hello using the link up above.  Thanks for stopping by!

Phil Holland