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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
Elementary, 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.
Teaching Locations
Cumberland Valley School of Music: Dr. Lease teaches on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Greencastle Location.
Shepherd University Community Music: Dr. Lease teaches on Thursdays
Lesson Rates
Lessons are offered at the studio, at the student’s home, or online. A private home studio is coming soon.
Enrollment options:
Weekly lessons (recommended) — best for steady progress and reserved weekly slots.
Individual coaching (limited availability) — for auditions, focused work, or flexible scheduling.
Enrolled students get scheduling priority. Space is limited to ensure focused, high-quality instruction.
Testimonials
“Nate completely transformed my approach to music—building my confidence, refining my technique, and helping me overcome my fear of the high range. His teaching connects technique, theory, and real-life guidance. Thanks to him, I earned a place in the Towson University Trombone Studio and developed a genuine love for music.”
— Alexa Paules, Former Student
“Nate is an outstanding trombone instructor with exceptional skill and knowledge. He consistently identifies areas for improvement at any level and provides clear, effective solutions. His guidance was instrumental in preparing me for the WV All-State audition, and I highly recommend him to any student.”
— Jonathan Hartzell, Former Student