TESTIMONIALS
“I have been fortunate to be a student of Preston’s, as well as a colleague. While I was getting my undergraduate degree, Preston was my orchestral excerpts teacher. He was an incredible teacher as he greets every problem with compassion and excitement for progress. He helped me gain confidence and control over many aspects of my playing. His love of music and passion for excellence makes him an encouraging and inspiring mentor. As a colleague, Preston has been supportive, welcoming, and encouraging. Preston will always have your best interest in mind. Each student he teaches is lucky to have such an inspiring mentor. And as an added bonus, you get to listen to his subtle country twang as he talks!”
— GRACE
(Grace’s Instagram)
Winner of the International Trumpet Guild's Solo Division, 2023
First Place Undergraduate Solo Division at the National Trumpet Competition, 2019 and 2022
Winner of the Music Teacher's National Association Solo Competition, 2022
“There are not enough words to explain how grateful I am to have found Preston Bailey. I was struggling as a musician, I had hit a wall and every turn felt like another slap in the face. That’s when my mom said “Hey, I found this guy online, why don’t we give him a try?” From the first consultation Zoom call, I could already tell Preston was going to shift my musical path for the better. Throughout months of patient work and a multitude of successes, my perspective on music and my artform was forever shifted. If it had not been for Preston, I would have quit music. I am now continuing music in college, and looking into community bands to continue my craft forever. I have Preston to thank for my continual growth, not only in my playing, but in helping ensure I have the proper mentality to continue doing what I love.”
- ISABELLA
“I have been taking trumpet lessons with Mr. Bailey for eight months. That isn’t that long but it was one of the best decisions I made in my life so far. He challenges me to learn music with notes out of my range and when I hit the note, I feel proud and happy. He gives me small tips, teaches me jazz and classical music. My favorite part about Mr. Bailey is that he is kind. After a lesson I just finished I am excited for the next lesson I have with him. I owe a lot to Mr. Bailey and always have fun with him. I would not be playing the music I am playing today without him.”
— SABRINA
“I met Preston as he was instructing an orchestral trumpet class at Middle Tennessee State University. As I was performing in that class one day, Preston was able to get me playing the best I ever had before with just a few simple suggestions, gestures, and demonstrations. Soon after that class I decided to reach out to him for a lesson. Well, that turned to two, then three, then 6!
I try to find the opportunity to play for him whenever I can, not only for advice in my playing, but because I leave every time feeling like I can accomplish anything, and that’s the greatest aspect you want in a teacher in my opinion.
Lastly, as an up and coming professional trumpet player, Preston has been one of the most influential and generous mentors in my career. I have the utmost respect for him as a musician, teacher, and human.”
- BEN
I have been taking lessons with Mr. Bailey for the past few months and he has been a very patient and incredible teacher. I learned so much this summer because of him! From playing low notes all the way to high notes. He is the reason I got into my school band and I am very thankful for that. His little tips and tricks have helped so much and I can’t wait to learn more from him!
- RANVEER
I look forward to every lesson with Mr. Bailey! It is guaranteed to be F-U-N! We’re always laughing about something, but the fun doesn’t overshadow the new things I am learning about my trumpet. Mr. Bailey has not only taught me how to play skillfully with the trumpet, but he also has taught me how to have fun with the trumpet. He’s not a mean teacher who beats you over the head with strict rules; instead, his kindness, energy, and passion for the trumpet inspire you to work hard, practice hard, and just have fun! That’s why I am always pumped to hop on zoom for a lesson with Mr. Bailey!
- THOKOZANI
Studying with Preston has been one of the best choices I’ve made in my time as a trumpet player! He’s been so kind and patient as I prepare to study music in college and has helped me musically interpret a lot of the common trumpet audition excerpts for the college and professional levels! His ability to make heartfelt connections with his students has kept me engaged throughout our weekly lessons, and his investment in my success has pushed me to new and higher levels of trumpet playing! I highly recommend any amount of private lessons with Preston if you’re looking to improve your playing and have fun doing so!
- HANNAH
I began taking trumpet lessons with Preston Bailey in December of 2021. I wanted to learn how to play the trumpet for years. Preston immediately made me feel comfortable, used practical techniques to get me to understand what I need to do, and encouraged me when I was feeling discouraged. I could not have asked for a better instructor. I am feeling more capable, recognizing notes, and even learning how to read music. I truly look forward to my lessons and enjoy the fun I am having learning from a patient and experienced instructor.
(Buy John's book! - http://amazon.com/author/johninfortunio)
- JOHN
“I very much enjoyed my time studying trumpet with Preston. When I first started studying with Preston we worked together to set up a plan for my success as a student and a trumpet player. During our lessons, Preston helped me further develop my musicianship and advance my technical skills. Preston has a calm approach to teaching that makes taking lessons with him productive and accessible.”
- PARKER
“I've been taking lessons with Preston for almost two years now. I can't explain enough how his teaching has helped me increase my range, stamina, confidence, along with many other things. In those two years, I was also able to make Midstate both times. I strongly encourage taking private lessons in general, even the most advanced students would benefit with a second opinion from a professional. If you ever decide to take lessons, you got to go with the best. I believe without a doubt that Preston is #1."
- OSTEN
“Having been homeschooled with very little musical involvement and resources for the last three years of my high school education, I was far behind when I started studying music at the college level.
However, I've been grateful to have lessons with Preston to help me catch up. His approach is kind, supportive, un-judging, and he is quick to respond every time. No matter what I'm struggling with, he is always able to find a way to help me improve and is patient with me if I'm having a particularly hard time with it.
There's no doubt that Preston has made me a significantly better player, and I would recommend him to anyone looking to improve at the trumpet.”
- CASSANDRA
”While I've studied with Preston, I have found more pleasure in playing the trumpet since I was in High School. He has taught me many new techniques and ways to make my practicing more effective, but they weren't just the normal ins and outs of practicing. He specifically went through the different techniques that he knew until he found the most effective one for me, and it has improved my playing. He is extremely personal and understanding with students and can relate to them as well. He has found pieces for me to play that compliment my playing style yet present a new challenge for each one. I have been very grateful to be able to study with Preston during my time at MTSU.”
- MATT
“Studying with Preston has led to my improvement as a trumpet player and overall musician. Strong fundamentally, he has all the tools necessary to help regardless of the experience level. As a collegiate musician trying to establish myself in the music industry, Preston has assisted in tremendous growth allowing me to take the next step and attend graduate school. With a calm and supportive personality, our lessons have always been positive and helpful. I am confident that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and teaching from Preston Bailey.”
- DANIEL
“I have really loved my lessons with Preston. I started taking lessons with him once a month and I saw my playing level sky rocket! The work we did got me a stipend in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. Preston taught me how to play on the path of least resistance and it allowed me to focus on my sound, style, and technique. Even with the limited time we had with each other, I have grown so much as a player and a person and owe a lot to the teachings of Preston Bailey.”
- ELI
“Preston is the best! He’s patient with my son who has never played before. My son adores him and looks forward to each lesson and would do lessons every day if I let him. He’s improving each week and truly enjoys it!"
— MAKAI
“How do you keep your child excited about band? Hire Preston! Nash has only been playing the trumpet for five months and has been taking lessons with Preston for three months. Not only is Preston easy for our son to get along with, Preston picks music that Nash is excited to play. Things have gone so well; Nash’s band teacher has been giving him more advanced music to work on during his group lessons at school. Additionally, our ears don’t bleed!”
— NASH
“I've been playing trumpet for a few years, and it's always been a challenge. I think the things Preston is teaching me helps me really improve. He helps me be the best trumpet player I can be. He really allows me to unlock my true musical potential.”
— JOSIAH
“I've had practices with Mr.Bailey for over a month, and I learned the same amount I would have learned from 10 years of school band! The lessons I take with him are always humorous and packed with fun etudes. The way he transitions into new exercises and sheets is amazing. The way he knows what you need help with, what's going on with your trumpet, and how to solve it is like magic. He's helped me with so many things that I can't count! Mr.Bailey gives you an extra push on the music, making your chops strengthen extremely fast. This really helped me, and I feel like lots more people (of all ages) can improve with him too.”
— JAKE
