Rafi Malkiel, trombone M.M., Manhattan School of Music B.F.A., Mannes/New School Diploma, Rimon School of Jazz "It was love at first sight... trombone was my favorite brass instrument." External links: www.rafimalkiel.com Past concerts with interview My Island "It was love at first sight" says Rafi Malkiel about his relationship with the trombone. "There was a brass band in my neighborhood, and I joined it. Trombone was my favorite brass instrument." Rafi began studying the trombone at age 12 in Jerusalem, Israel and moved to New York to study for his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Mannes/New School and then his Masters degree at Manhattan School of Music. Rafi helps his students to figure out what interests them most about music and the trombone and how they can achieve their goals through technical fundamentals, a practicing program, and the joy of musical expression. "I try to keep the student interested, challenged and motivated to get the best results." The trombone is best suited for kids ten and older because it is physically too difficult for younger children. Rafi enjoys working with adults and tries to help them achieve a positive experience through learning basic skills quickly. "There are benefits in being a mature student: adults can have more focus, clarity and discipline." An active performer, Rafi enjoys the atmosphere of chamber music because it allows for "the intimacy of a small group and the room for the individual's input." He is a jazz and classical performer who also enjoys world music and cites his favorite composers as Bach, Mahler, Stravinsky, Ellington, Mingus, Monk and Jobim. Rafi expands his musical horizons through hobbies such as swimming, biking, wood carving and hiking.