Our news
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In Soviet Russia, You No Play Note. Note Plays You.
In Soviet Russia, You No Play Note. Note Plays You. By Dr. Logan Chopyk I recently had an interaction with a new student that highlights a trap even advanced players fall into. This student, highly analytical by nature, had spent hours in front of a mirror attempting to “set” their trombone embouchure perfectly before ever playing a
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Ghost Tones for Rebalancing Hesitation
Ghost Tones for Rebalancing Hesitation by Dr. Logan Chopyk I was a guest artist this week at Slide School, and I was asked how to resolve hesitations when starting notes. This is a very common problem trombone players run into, so I thought I would make it my blog topic for the week. What Is
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Practice Room Frustration Is Useful Feedback
Practice Room Frustration Is Useful Feedback I remember when my brother, a French horn player, would get into terrible bouts of frustration and anger while practicing in high school. At one point he even wrinkled his bell by punching it. Frustration is something we need to listen to. It’s important feedback. Most often, frustration shows
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Practice Tip for Trombonists: Subtract, Don’t Add
Practice Tip for Trombonists: Subtract, Don’t Add by Dr. Logan Chopyk — Spectrum Sound Studio In complex movement tasks—whether in golf, athletics, or especially instrumental music—technical problems rarely come from doing too little. More often, we’re simply doing too much. When we remove unnecessary tension and interference, our body’s natural coordination takes over, and movements
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Skill Bridges, Part III: How Parallel Activities Break Barriers
By Dr. Logan Chopyk – Spectrum Sound Studio Every brass player eventually encounters a barrier so stubborn that no amount of traditional practice seems to help. Some struggle with chronic tension. Others find themselves locked into inefficient breathing patterns. For a small but significant group—especially those experiencing severe imbalance or focal task-specific dystonia—the very act
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Skill Bridges, Part II: How Energy Exchange in Skiing, Skating, and Cycling Transforms Your Trombone Sound
By Dr. Logan Chopyk – San Diego Trombone Lessons Whether you’re learning trombone, teaching brass, or performing professionally, you can borrow experiences from other activities to teach yourself to play trombone with flow, efficiency, and joy: The way you surf a wave; carve snow on skis; shred with a longboard on asphalt; take high speed
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Skill Bridges, Part 1: Cross-Training and Transfer of Skill for Trombone Players
How First-Hand Experience in Parallel Activities Teach Us Aspects of Trombone Playing By Dr. Logan Chopyk – Spectrum Sound Studio Most trombonists have had this experience: you step away from the instrument—maybe to ski, swim, sing, or even play another instrument—and suddenly something about your trombone playing becomes clearer. Your breathing feels easier. Your timing
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Unlocking Potential: How Music Lessons Can Empower Children on the Autism Spectrum
At Spectrum Sound Studio, I believe every child is uniquely musical — including children on the autism spectrum. Engaging in music lessons isn’t just about learning an instrument. For kids on the autism spectrum, it can open doors to self-expression, communication, sensory regulation, and joy. Here’s how. 1. Music as a Bridge to Communication &
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Emotion Is Technique: A Mindful Pedagogy for Neurodiverse Musicians
By Dr. Logan Chopyk, Spectrum Sound Studio Discover how emotional awareness becomes foundational technique for neurodiverse music students—how a short awareness practice can overcome what appear to be technical blocks and instead become meaningful motion, regulation, and growth. Introduction In my work at Spectrum Sound Studio, teaching music to students on the autism spectrum and
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The Power of Flow: How Deep Engagement Unlocks Potential in Autistic Learners
The Power of Flow: How Deep Engagement Unlocks Potential in Autistic Learners How Spectrum Sound Studio uses flow to make music lessons transformative Parents often ask me what makes my teaching approach different — why students who have struggled with focus, frustration, or motivation elsewhere suddenly begin thriving here.The answer is flow. At Spectrum Sound Studio, everything
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When a Special Interest Becomes a Bridge: How Music Lessons Can Open Daily Life for Autistic Learners
By Dr. Logan Chopyk, Spectrum Sound Studio At Spectrum Sound Studio, we deeply believe that for many autistic learners, the powerful intensity of their love for music is not a limitation—but a door. What we once viewed as “narrow focus” is increasingly understood in research as a gateway to communication, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life. Why special
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Music in the Garden: Adaptive Music Lessons at Creekside Elementary
Music in the Garden: Finding Harmony at Creekside Elementary By Dr. Logan Chopyk (www.spectrumsoundstudio.com) Creating Inclusive Musical Spaces At Spectrum Sound Studio, we believe music is for everyone—every ability, every age, every heart. Our mission is to create spaces where people can connect, express, and grow through sound. One of our favorite ways to share
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Music Lessons for Autistic Children and Adults in San Diego
Music Lessons for Autistic Children and Adults in San Diego By Dr. Logan Chopyk, Spectrum Sound Studio At Spectrum Sound Studio in San Diego, I specialize in providing sensory-friendly piano and brass lessons for children and adults with autism. Families from neighborhoods like Sabre Springs, Poway, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos,
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Music Lessons for Autism: Breakthrough Guide to Inspiring Piano and Brass
Music Lessons for Autism At Spectrum Sound Studio, our mission is simple: to provide adaptive music lessons for the autism community. Whether it’s learning piano, trombone, or exploring rhythm on percussion, we believe music is a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and confidence. Recently, I revisited the book Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price —