Testimonials

“I first met Dr. Griffin in 2005 when I attended the International Music Camp in North Dakota. Dr. Griffin left a great impression in me even till today. I am extremely grateful for all the advice and musical/technical knowledge that he had imparted in me. Without that advice and knowledge, I won’t be where I am today. He is a great teacher and he really puts the interest of the student first.”

-Lau Wen Rong, Trumpet, Singapore Symphony Orchestra

“In the relatively short amount of time I’ve been Josh’s student, I’ve learned more about being a trumpet player than I ever thought I could learn. This statement doesn’t simply apply to technique, style, practice regimen, and playing ability: it also applies so much to attitude when approaching music. Of course Josh cares about making sure I have good tone quality, tuning, and articulations, but he really teaches me about how to make music fun. One thing that really sticks out to me is his focus on musicality. My favorite thing is when he talks about a certain piece in an “ABA”-ish style being like a conversation between 2 characters that you have to bring to life in the way you play the piece. Stuff like that is why I enjoy playing trumpet and learning new things from Josh because everything doesn’t always have to be about technique: it can always be about showcasing the fun things surrounding musical expression. As he’s told me in the past, style and technique are really showcased the best when you add emotion to the music, and he’s done an amazing job of helping me to achieve that.”

-Colleen Hutchinson, Dubiln Coffman High School

“I started studying with Dr. Griffin two years ago and the progress I have made is exponential. Within the first few lessons, Dr. Griffin taught me the techniques he uses and my tone instantly became clear and beautiful. He has improved my tone and my range, but he also helps me with difficult music from school and teaches me not just how to play the correct notes of the song, rather, how to play music stylistically and beautifully. Dr. Griffin not only teaches how to play the trumpet like no other, he establishes an important social connection to the student to ensure a fun and comfortable learning and playing environment. No obstacle will stop my progress with Dr. Griffin. If there is something I don’t understand, he will keep explaining it in different ways until I understand completely. Speaking of obstacles, even a worldwide pandemic cannot stop my progress with Dr. Griffin. After the first year of in person lessons, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we both felt it would be best to transition to a completely online setting. This did not slow my progress at all. In fact, I feel comfortable in my home practice space and am not stressed out by the rush of ‘getting there on time’. Even online, Dr. Griffin is able to pinpoint even the most minute imperfections in my playing and give precise guidance to fix them.”

-Henry Newcomb, Olentangy High School

“I personally have struggled when it comes to playing multiple styles as I tend to stick to one way of playing. During my lessons with Mr. Decker, I am able to learn better techniques for how I can play the pieces in ways that are different from my usual style. Additionally the way he explained concepts on how to have more expression when playing, such as with dynamics and specific style moments, has greatly helped me in terms of jazz band.”

-Shreshta Ramidi, Olentangy Liberty High School

“Working with Dr. Griffin has been a phenomenal experience. I’ve found myself making great strides in every lesson. He has provided me with tips, studies, and exercises to improve skills from articulation to tone quality to range. Not only do I improve my technical skills, but my musicianship has improved immensely. I’ve learned how to speak with my music. Working with him, I’ve unpacked the technicality AND meaning to every passage of the pieces we’ve played together. Additionally, I get the privilege of hearing his playing and seeing his methods firsthand. A lot of what I see from him is very new to me, and can seem a bit odd at first, because his methods are so unique, but, when I try what he does to fix a problem, I feel each time like I have a little epiphany. Suddenly, I’m able to do whatever I was struggling with before.”

“Delving into all of these things and learning from him has taught me something very important: mastery. Through my studies with Dr. Griffin, I have learned how to master what I’m working on, which allows me to excel in music”

-Marina McCreary, Worthington High School

“Over the past four years, Mr. Decker has given me great tips on becoming a better trumpet player. My playing ability and musical knowledge has increased drastically since I started taking lessons with him. When tasked with challenging music/parts to learn, he was always willing to spend some time with me to knock out the kinks in the part. Mr. Decker also was a big help to me in making The Ohio State University Marching Band, and I will continue to reach out to him for my trumpet playing lessons.”

-Max Hathaway, OSU Marching Band

“As a High-school trumpet player there is a world of opportunities and ways to improve on the instrument. However sometimes it is best to ask advice from the very best. From the time I met Dr. Griffin I have felt the presence of an amazing trumpet player who could teach me everything I needed to know, and more. If I had to describe him briefly, he would be a key, unlocking the doors of your mind and giving you abilities you never knew you had. I have learned an incredible amount from him- about myself, and my trumpet. While there is much hardship to come, I know that Dr. Griffin can help me through it, and that doesn’t apply only to trumpet. He gives you his full attention with your best interest in mind, because you matter. And because of this I am excited to continue working towards my goals knowing I have an amazing teacher. I would recommend Dr. Griffin to teach anyone as he is a very genuine, and very masterful person.”

-Alex Butte, Olentangy Orange High School

“Josh Decker is a great teacher and person. Not only was I able to get into the Columbus Symphony Cadet orchestra under his classical guidance, but I made Columbus Youth Jazz and other programs through his jazz guidance as well. I really solidified my playing through the exercises, excerpts, and solos he gave me and walked me through, and through doing these exercises and through playing various etudes he wrote for his students I was able to really start to enjoy playing trumpet. I have had many bad habits over the course of my playing and I have always been able to shoot him a question or concern whenever needed. For instance, excessive mouthpiece pressure has always been one of my struggles, and I was able to ask Josh about it and get various solutions through different perspectives so I could really further my playing and fix my short comings. The openness in his lessons also has always been great, whatever I need to work on and no matter what the genre or style, he has always helped me. I have always left after having lessons with him inspired and knowing exactly what I should work on.”

-Joseph Rivero, Douglass Anderson School of the Arts

-Robbie McCutcheon, Olentangy High School

“Dr. Griffin's encouraging teaching methods have helped me become the best musician I can be. He has helped me grow not only in my skills with playing the trumpet, but in being a more confident person as well.  Studying with Dr. Griffin has given me a new perspective on music and it has helped me appreciate and enjoy different types of music.  Working through new music is a challenge, but with the help of Dr. Griffin I know I can overcome any musical challenge. I have enjoyed bringing the skills Dr. Griffin has helped me develop to my band.  Dr. Griffin has taught me to accept nothing less than the best from myself, and that is the mindset I will carry with me throughout life. He has taught me to not give up on myself when working with a challenging piece and he has inspired me to bring a hardworking attitude to everything I do.”

-Emma Irvin, Olentangy Liberty High School

“I highly recommend trumpet lessons with Dr. Larry Griffin. I have studied under Dr. Griffin for a number of years, and have made measurable, and exciting progress. Without Dr. Griffin's guidance, and instruction, this would not have happened. As a retired professor of music, and chair of the music department at Ohio Wesleyan University, he is a well qualified teacher. Added to his educational background, and instruction, he has extensive experience performing with prestigious orchestras, and many large and small groups.
His teaching style is relaxed, and encouraging, yet demanding of musical precision. I am accomplishing skills on the trumpet I did not think possible. With Dr. Griffin's guidance, I'm looking forward to making further strides, and performing in public.”

-Dave Simaitis,

“Mr. Decker has taught me a great many things. This includes double tonguing, breath support, improving my tone quality, and improving the style in different types of music. I use all of these skills in my daily playing. Mr. Decker is also great in helping me workout hard rhythms in various pieces. I have really enjoyed working with Mr. Decker because he always makes the lessons fun or interesting and is always trying to make me a better musician.”

-Finn O’Connor, Gahanna Lincoln High School

“Dr. Griffin has taught me so much in the past year and a half. He improved my sound right from the beginning and I am still learning more in every lesson. He is a fantastic trumpet player, and you will learn a lot as well!”

Tyler Bradstreet, Dublin Coffman High School