My teaching career began in 1992 when at the age of 17 I opened my first private studio, teaching fellow high school kids in a nearby town.

Over the ensuing 30 years I have taught clinics and lessons in almost 40 countries around the world including at schools such as Juilliard in New York City, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

My Teaching Philosophy

I was lucky to meet legendary tuba player Sam Pilafian when I was only 12 years old and started studying with him when I was 14. He was adamant about not just teaching students how to operate an instrument but instead helping them to become complete musicians who also excelled at their instrument.

I bring this same philosophy to all of my teaching.

I also believe that it’s not a coincidence that we play the tuba. We don’t work the tuba.

I strongly believe that any student who is not having fun will either quit or will lose their love of music over time. As a result there is always lots of laughter in lessons. I strive to keep all students engaged and moving forward but while enjoying themselves.

I have taught lessons, masterclasses and seminars for students around the world including at:

What You Get From Hitz Academy Lessons

You will leave lessons through Hitz Academy with:

• An enjoyment of practicing (Don’t believe me? We will set this sequence in motion and then the magic happens!)

• An improved ear

• A much clearer sense of the “horn in your head” (ie exactly what you are trying to sound like)

• An improved ability to listen deeply to music in order to apply what you’re hearing to your own playing

• More confidence as a musical storyteller (as I was always taught: exclamation points instead of question marks!)

• A clearer sense of exactly what you can and can not do on the horn and a plan to improve it all

  
  

What Students Are Saying About Hitz Academy Lessons

“Andrew Hitz taught me how to be a musician, not just a tuba player. Creativity in my artistic development was always paramount. We would strive to understand the musical language of Brahms, but also Radiohead and Anderson .Paak, while seeking how to apply it to our craft. Andrew stressed getting outside of the physical restraints of the tuba and speaking in musical sentences, rather than words.”

—Former student Andrew Dougherty (Tuba player with The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”)

What Parents Are Saying About Hitz Academy Lessons

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Andrew Hitz as a music teacher and mentor. While studying with him for 7 years my son excelled in his auditions for district band, senior regional orchestra and all-state auditions. His teaching style is compatible with the way teenagers think, and he inspires his students by putting complex musical thoughts into everyday examples they can relate to. Without hesitation, I would recommend Andrew to any student who is seriously interested in becoming a better musician.”

—Jade H

The Kind of Student I’m Looking For

I like to teach a very specific kind of student. I am only looking for curious students who are open to learning new techniques and perspectives on music. I have experience teaching elementary school students through doctoral students. Age is much less important to me than a desire to learn.

How To Sign up For Hitz Academy lessons

Send me an email to andrew@hitzacademy.com so we can discuss pricing and the different lesson options I offer and I can answer any questions you may have.

I offer one-time lessons, multi-lesson packages and occasionally have a weekly lesson slot open up but those are incredibly limited. If you are interested in weekly lessons please email and I can let you know when an opening becomes available.

This should go without saying but no hard feelings if decide not to sign you or your child up for lessons with me! The only thing that matters is that a teacher be the best possible fit for that particular student and if that’s not me I know you can find that elsewhere (and I’ll be happy to help you find that teacher if I can!)