Introduction: In addition to the standard method books and trumpet-playing fundamentals, I incorporate music theory and improvisation into my lessons. These are excellent ways to fit what's learned into a broader musical context and develop a deeper understanding of music in general. Improvising is great fun, and develops skills not ordinarily addressed in other forms of music. I also find songs the student would recognize - pop tunes, video game music, movie themes - and arrange them into a form appropriate for the student's current level.