REVIEWS

“I had the privilege to study with Max Bonecutter from 7th-12th grade and look back on those lessons with reverence and gratitude. Max excels at teaching the fundamentals of brass playing in a coherent and straightforward way. In addition to always covering fundamentals at the start of lessons, Max guided me through much of the trombone method book and etude repertoire, always with a calm energy and great attention to the finer points of musicianship.  He successfully prepared me for my college entrance auditions and, upon his recommendation, I was able to study with M. Dee Stewart and Peter Ellefson at Indiana University.  As I continue my journey in the music business, I have met many other colleagues and teachers who hold nothing but great respect for Max, both as a teacher and musician.”

Matt Williamson, Principal Trombone Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, 2nd Trombone Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Dean’s Office Assistant – Jacobs School of Music

“As a young Juilliard undergraduate student, I was fortunate to have the Met's bass trombonist, Max Bonecutter, take me on for some additional guidance. Hearing someone so young play at such a high level was inspirational in helping motivate me to reach that next level. Shortly afterward, Max headed off to the Minnesota Orchestra but I continued to hear of his artistry when I later became a member of the Met Orchestra and have heard nothing but glowing things about him ever since. I grew used to hearing colleagues talk in reverence about Max because I later followed him in music festivals in both Colorado and Wyoming.”

Steve Norrell Bass Trombone, Metropolitan Opera; Instructor, Manhattan School of Music

"When I was a junior in high school, I was looking for a new private trombone instructor. I knew I wanted to major in music in college, and while I was doing potential college visits, I asked various trombone professors if they knew of anyone I could study with. Several trombonists recommended that I contact Max Bonecutter. Max did a wonderful job of fully preparing me for my college auditions and leading me to important literature that I would need to know at the university level. I'm very thankful for his instruction!”

Lindsay Gross, Manager of Public-Community Relations at Bowling Green State University

“My studies with Max Bonecutter were among the most influential of my life.  Max has a keen ability for diagnosing problems, explaining them in an understandable manner, and suggesting exercises to practice.  His attention to details helped me to achieve success in several competitions and auditions while studying with him.  If you are looking for a master teacher with an amazing track record as a performing artist, look no further than Max Bonecutter!”

Dr. Bruce Tychinski, Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium, University of Delaware

"I had the great fortune to be able to study with Max for two years in the early 1990s, while I completed my Master's Degree in trombone performance at the University of Kansas.  To put it simply, Max is a 'master teacher' who brings a wealth of background, experience, and knowledge to his students. He is a consummate musician and a very supportive instructor and mentor.  I owe a great deal of my success as a trombonist and teacher to Max!”

Dr. Andrew Lankford,  Professor of Trombone, James Madison University

Hi Mr. Bonecutter,
This is Kavel. I just got the news that I made it into the debut group of the Seattle Youth Symphony! In the audition, there were five judges, and when I mentioned that I took lessons from you, they all knew you! The audition itself was an amazing experience. I played my solo and ensemble piece from this year, Andante et Allegro. Thanks to your guidance the first time I learned it, I was able to take it to an even higher level than before! When it was time for sight reading, I remembered everything you taught me: look at the key signature, the time signature, tricky rhythms, and accidentals. When I walked out of the audition room, I felt great! I wasn't perfect, but I had played to the best of my ability, and that was what mattered. You helped sculpt me into the person I am today, both musically and not, and for that, I truly thank you.
                                                       ~   ~   ~
Mr. Bonecutter is an amazing teacher, with his boundless patience and his inexhaustible knowledge source, and he challenges students perfectly to the point of maximum learning. He is truly a master at what he does, and he played a large part in making me the musician I am today.

Kavel Rao, freshman high school student, Debut Group at The Seatle Youth Symphony Orchestra