Serious, supportive, and results-driven instruction for brass students of all ages and experience levels.
Students of Dr. Lease have earned placement in district and all-state ensembles, youth orchestras, and collegiate music programs through focused, individualized training.
Dr. Lease serves as Adjunct Instructor of Music at Hagerstown Community College and Penn State Mont Alto and maintains an active performing career throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. With over a decade of teaching experience, he is committed to helping each student build confidence, technical mastery, and lasting musicianship.
WHO I TEACH
Students I Commonly Work With
Middle and high school brass students
Advanced students preparing for auditions
College music majors
Adult musicians returning to performance
Dedicated beginners seeking a strong musical foundation
Instruction is tailored to each student’s goals, whether preparing for honor ensembles, auditions, solo performances, or personal growth.
Teaching Philosophy
Great teaching begins with trust. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where students feel both challenged and encouraged as they grow.
I believe musical success is built on more than technical ability. Discipline, balance, self-awareness, and a sense of community all play an essential role in long-term artistic development. By modeling these qualities in lessons, I help students take ownership of their progress and become confident, independent musicians.
Instruction is tailored to the individual. Some students arrive with strong technical skills, others with natural musicality — each musician brings unique strengths that can be developed through thoughtful guidance and consistent work.
A structured yet encouraging approach allows students to strengthen fundamentals while building the problem-solving skills necessary for sustained growth beyond the lesson studio.
Whether teaching collegiate courses or private lessons, my aim is the same: to prepare students for their next stage with both the ability and the confidence to succeed.
When students feel supported, motivated, and intellectually engaged, they grow not only as musicians but as adaptable, creative individuals.
Testimonials
“Nate offered a whole new perspective on music as a whole during lessons; he gave me the confidence to audition for college, advance my skills, clean up my technique, and found myself a new friend in the making. He taught me how to overcome my fears of playing in my high range and that notes are just “notes”, not “high notes” … this was a major problem I had! He also allowed me to look at my music from theoretical standpoints, explained the technical sides of “why” or “how” things are written, gave me great advice when it came to life in general or my future in college, and showed me how to love doing what I do. Without Nate Lease, I would not have had the ability to be in the Towson University Trombone Studio, nor would I enjoy music as much as I do now.” - Alexa Paules - Former Student.
“All around, Nate is an outstanding trombone instructor. He never fails to impress me with his skill and knowledge of the trombone. He always spots potential improvements, no matter the skill level, and always gives great tips to help with them. As if he couldn’t be any better, he is extremely easy to talk to and very friendly. He has been an excellent resource and guide for me as I studied with him to prepare for the WV All-State Audition this year. That is why I highly recommend him as a trombone tutor for any student of any skill level.” - Jonathan Hartzell, Former Student.
Lesson Rates
Lessons are available at the institution’s location, in the student’s home, or online. A private home studio will be available soon.
Students may enroll in ongoing weekly instruction or schedule individual coaching sessions based on availability.
Studio Membership (Recommended)
Consistent weekly lessons provide the structure necessary for meaningful progress and reserved scheduling.
60-minute lesson — $60
30-minute lesson — $30
Individual Coaching Sessions (Limited Availability)
Designed for audition preparation, specialized coaching, or scheduling flexibility.
60-minute session — $95
Priority scheduling is given to enrolled students.
Space in the studio is intentionally limited to ensure each musician receives the highest level of attention.
Cumberland Valley School of Music: Dr. Lease teaches on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Greencastle Location.
Shepherd University Community Music: Averages to $60 per hour and $30 per half hour. Dr. Lease Teaches Thursday Evenings.