Optimize your classroom! Motivation to learn grows through autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Skills develop with mindful repetition and a clear "why." To refine skills, our brain must be in the right state, or bad habits form. Explore the neuroscience of skill acquisition and why musicians must prepare their brains for practice and performance. Discover how breath work gets your brain excited to learn!
Patrick Sheridan
- Biographical Information
Patrick Sheridan is one of history’s most celebrated tuba soloists. He has performed over 3,500 concerts in 50+ countries, from the White House to the Hollywood Bowl. A former member of "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, he has been featured on NBC’s Today Show and NPR’s All Things Considered.
Beyond performing, Patrick is deeply committed to education. His students hold principal positions in major orchestras and military bands across 30+ countries and serve on over 200 university faculties. He has taught at Arizona State, NAU, UCLA, the Rotterdam Conservatory, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Co-author of The Breathing Gym®, the best-selling method for instrumental improvement, he has presented clinics to over a million students worldwide. The method won a 2009 Regional Emmy® for Instructional Video Production.
With 30+ years in music design, Patrick’s influence extends to instruments played by professionals and students globally. He serves as Chief Design Consultant for Jupiter Band Instruments, Hercules Stands, and Laskey Mouthpieces.
A frequent guest conductor nationwide, Patrick works with university, all-state, and honor bands. A board member of WIBC University and member of ASCAP, he was honored by the American Bandmasters Association with the 2024 Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation for his service to concert bands and concert band music in America.