Teaching Philosophy: "Every individual has their own path, and every person has their own unique way of learning and communicating. A big part of lessons is figuring some of that out, as well as learning what the student wants out of brass playing. I love teaching beginners as well as advanced players, using lyrical and technical etudes and duets to learn about the musician’s style and work on musicianship, moving on to learn exercises that will help in specific areas, and encouraging solo and ensemble work toward becoming a well-rounded musician. A big part of my playing and teaching philosophy lies with the simple flow studies and methods of Vincent Cichowicz. There is something truly special about creating beautiful music out of air (literally), and I love seeing students be inspired by what they create."
Biography: Cassandra McDonald is a classical trumpet player and brass pedagogue in the Boston area. She has loved the trumpet since she begged her mom to let her play in the sixth grade, and it is a passion that continues to grow everyday. Cassie currently plays in the solo cornet section with the New England Brass Band, as well as with the Veronica Robles all-women mariachi band!
Cassie is from Hudsonville, Michigan, and studied with Kevin Maloney and Richard Stoelzel at Grand Valley State University. One thing she always remembers about her lessons with Professor Maloney is how he always continued working to improve his trumpet playing, taking advantage of all the little moments that were available to him. She went to graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi and studied music education with Dr. Jason Bergman. She went on to teach middle and high school band for two years in Mississippi, before moving to the East Coast.
Currently Cassandra is the brass specialist for an urban school district near Boston. The chamber ensemble program she started there has been one of her favorite after-school activities! Cassie has been a band director since 2014, and has been teaching brass lessons since 2007 and has been with Note-worthy Experiences since October 2019.
Learn more about Cassie in her Teacher Feature.
Biography: Cassandra McDonald is a classical trumpet player and brass pedagogue in the Boston area. She has loved the trumpet since she begged her mom to let her play in the sixth grade, and it is a passion that continues to grow everyday. Cassie currently plays in the solo cornet section with the New England Brass Band, as well as with the Veronica Robles all-women mariachi band!
Cassie is from Hudsonville, Michigan, and studied with Kevin Maloney and Richard Stoelzel at Grand Valley State University. One thing she always remembers about her lessons with Professor Maloney is how he always continued working to improve his trumpet playing, taking advantage of all the little moments that were available to him. She went to graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi and studied music education with Dr. Jason Bergman. She went on to teach middle and high school band for two years in Mississippi, before moving to the East Coast.
Currently Cassandra is the brass specialist for an urban school district near Boston. The chamber ensemble program she started there has been one of her favorite after-school activities! Cassie has been a band director since 2014, and has been teaching brass lessons since 2007 and has been with Note-worthy Experiences since October 2019.
Learn more about Cassie in her Teacher Feature.
Cassie is beyond phenomenal and has had an enormous impact on my son’s life both musically and socially! She has pulled in his interests and personality style in a way that has been sooo motivating for him.
- Amy, mom of a trumpet student in Marlborough
- Amy, mom of a trumpet student in Marlborough
