Brings out their best

Jim is an exceptional teacher and musician; he gives generously of his time and attention.  He knows how to work with young players and bring out their best.  He is encouraging and supportive, yet careful to demand improvement when he knows the student is capable of more.  I have two sons who have studied trombone with Jim; they both have strong liking and respect for him:  he is warm, approachable, and yet serious and task-oriented.

Ron Kendall

Patience, fun, standards

Mr. Templin has been a terrific teacher for my son.  He manages to combine patience and fun with high standards.  Mr. Templin also puts in work outside of the lessons, finding and preparing materials that will work best with my child.   

Heather Borsum
Concert Band and AP Music Theory, Walt Whitman HS

Confidence

We were looking for a trombone teacher to help our daughter improve her playing and everyone we spoke to recommended Jim!  He is warm and welcoming, good with shy kids (like ours), patient and kind and incredibly knowledgeable.  Our daughter auditioned for her high school jazz band - due to the confidence Jim brought out in her - and was one of only two trombonists accepted.  We cannot recommend him highly enough.

Amy Creel

Inspiration

Thank you, Mr. Templin! My daughter was ready to give up on playing trombone and you not only inspired her to continue but have taught her to play beautifully.  Your patient, encouraging, detailed instruction has made all the difference in the world!

Dawn Vignola

Enthusiasm and empathy

For Arthur and me, Mr. Templin is not only a mentor to the world of the euphonium but also a guide that bridges the culture between the U.S. and our native country, China. His enthusiasm and empathy lightened our first year in this magical land.

Lijun Yuan

Enriching and valuable

I heartily recommend Jim Templin as a private brass teacher.  My son, David, has been taking lessons from Jim for the past 10 years, starting when he was a 10 year old novice, through his time as a member of the Jazz ensembles at Parkland Middle School and Blair High School, and continuing to the present.  Jim has helped David polish his skills as a player and worked with him on feeling the music and developing an enjoyment and appreciation for playing jazz.  Jim has also worked with David on composition skills.  David's experience as a student of Jim's has been enriching and valuable to his growth as a musician.

Amy Ellis

Excellent and dedicated teacher

Mr. Templin is an excellent and dedicated teacher – and a very warm, friendly person. My high school age son has been enjoying his trombone lessons with Mr. Templin since he was a little kid, progressing from Hot Cross Buns to state jazz band! Mr. Templin also spends a lot of time preparing music and exercises for his students in advance of lessons, and he even helped my son select a new trombone when it was time to upgrade the instrument.

Lisa Ganseroff Hellberg

Arrangements sound great!

I have played Jim Templin's arrangements for more than 20 years. They have always been well written and easy to read, stylistically correct, accurate when transcribed, properly orchestrated and harmonized, notated well and, best of all...they sound GREAT!  

Darryl Brenzel
Former saxophonist and chief arranger, US Army Jazz Ambassadors

Consistently excellent charts

One of the many things I have loved about playing in Jim's band are the consistently excellent charts. Whether it's a fresh arrangement or a meticulously accurate transcription, Jim's charts always make the band sound great. When you see Jim’s name at the top of the chart, you know you can relax and trust what the music says. 

Greg Ridlington
Saxophone

Accuracy, clarity, musicality 

Jim has a true gift for arranging.  Accuracy, clarity, and musicality - those are his hallmarks.  The charts are so precise, yet leave enough room for personal interpretation.  As a drummer, that's very important.  I feel like I can still put my stamp on the tune, while at the same time respecting what is on the page.

Chris Rose  
Drummer with Fresh Air, Harrisburg Symphony, Andy Williams

Always a pleasure

It has always been a pleasure to play in a section with Jim Templin. His trombone playing is always crisp and in tune. He is a player that puts ensemble above self in his performances.

Darryl Brenzel
Former saxophonist and chief arranger, US Army Jazz Ambassadors

Jim's trombone playing fits any situation, whether playing in a section, carrying the melody, or improvising great solos. He's a guy you want on the bandstand with you because he makes everything better!

Greg Ridlington
Saxophone