BRIAN G GILBERT
Performing Arts Entrepreneur, Educator, Problem Solver
Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Please take your time, look around, and be sure to keep the messes to a minimum. Remember - if you break it you bought it....
PROFESSIONAL OUTLOOK
What I Do
In a previous career, I was a high school band director. Being a full-time band director is EXTREMELY demanding all year-round. I made a conscious decision to "retire" and work in a more "regular" job in Corporate America, while still keeping in close contact with the performing arts.
Fast-forward to current day. After working in the HR Technology field for over 10 years, I am now wearing several hats. I teach private instrumental students. I support my daughters' music education as a band parent. I also founded an online fundraising company called FansRaise that provides fundraising support to performing arts organizations.
So I have the privilege of not only helping my own kids' musical education, but also thousands of arts students across the United States - in addition to a small group of private students in the Wilmington, DE area.
PRIVATE LESSONS/TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I really feel as if kids will enjoy and LIVE through music for having experienced the effort to learn and play. I believe that EVERY kid can benefit from trying to learn an instrument, and that fun can be directly correlated with work and effort. I am a stickler for detail, but I love to have fun with my students! I will make every effort to reinforce and enhance the learning under way via the student's band director or music teacher.
REFERENCES
As soon as I met him, Mr. Gilbert’s devotion to music was infectious. Because of this, I found myself constantly wanting to learn more about different types of musical ensembles, composers, and styles. As a person, I always felt like I could talk to him about any musical subject (technique, theory, performance anxiety, etc.), and he would always have a suggestion that would better my musical abilities. Most importantly, as a fellow wind instrumentalist, Mr. Gilbert was...ahem...instrumental...in teaching me how wind musicians are supposed to adhere to ensemble settings. For example, knowing how to blend your sound into the ensemble (bringing melodies to the forefront, and mixing into the harmonic structure), knowing how to properly read rhythms through constant subdivision (a surprisingly undervalued exercise), and challenging yourself to play anything put in front of you (no matter how difficult or intimidating it may seem) are three topics that I strongly encourage my current students to strive for in every musical endeavor.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate music educator, Brian Gilbert is an exceptional choice.
Gregory Marsh, M.M. Clarinet Performance, The Peabody Conservatory of Music, Adjunct Clarinet Faculty Rowan University
"Brian was my band director when I was in 8th and 9th grade, and he was one of the best teachers I had in my high school career. He recognized talent and hard work, and he pushed me to be a better musician. Even though I was only a freshman, he put me in the advanced wind ensemble with older students because he knew that was where I could grow to be the best version of myself. As an adult now professionally playing on Broadway, I recognize how crucial that time in my life was, and I truly thank him for helping me be where I am today!"
Kim O'Hare, M.M Music Performance, NYU and Freelance Performing Artist, NYC
Brian was my high school band director. His attention to detail and extremely high standards changed our music program by making all of his students want to work harder to become better musicians with excellent work ethic. The lessons learned in the band room and on the field are never forgotten. Brian was a positively influential teacher and I'm sure that he would be an asset to lead any team.
Kate Hayden, Music Faculty - Friends School of Mullica Hill. BS, Music Education, Rowan University and Master of Music, West Chester University
"Having parents that support the musical journey is tremendously important, regardless of how well they play, or if they will continue music later in life..."
Brian Gilbert
(with my father following a concert gig)
LET'S CONNECT
I love what I do and I’d love to share it with you. Send me a message and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Wilmington, DE, USA