To Whom It May Concern,

Mr. Matthew Van Ham has served as a private trumpet instructor for my son for one and a half years. In
addition to being a talented and hardworking musician, Mr. Van Ham also possesses leadership and
effective interpersonal skills. He has also demonstrated himself to be a professional and tactful
communicator with people of all ages and musical abilities.
Mr. Van Hams outstanding teaching ability can be evidenced by his positive influence on my sons
trumpet playing. Mr. Van Ham started teaching my son when my son was starting 7th grade. At that
time, my son was playing as 3rd chair (out of 6 trumpet players) and upon initial evaluation, he was
playing below 7th grade level. Bolstered by Mr. Van Hams weekly instruction, my sons playing
improved markedly, and by 8th grade, he was awarded, and continues to defend, 1st chair (out of 7
trumpet players). My son has consistently been receiving an A+ grade for band, and has been
acknowledged by his school band teacher as a valuable trumpet player and a great asset to the school
band. At this moment my son is playing at a level that is above his school band standard. Without a
doubt this is due to Mr. Van Hams instruction.
Mr. Van Ham is a motivating and engaging instructor who has high expectations. He was able to
improve my sons playing by putting together a good practice routine and sparking genuine interest and
excitement in music by introducing a more vibrant musical repertoire. Mr. Van Ham is also friendly and
approachable such that my son always looks forward to his trumpet lessons, and he is also inspired to do
well for the sake of not letting Mr. Van Ham down.
Sincerely,
Christine To
Ann Arbor
February, 2016