The Mellophone Boot Camp
I began teaching mellophone in 2006 and have seen so many beginner students struggle with learning the instrument. I wanted to create resources to better support my students and their band programs. In 2020, I created the Virtual Mellophone Boot Camp to help guide my students and connect them with other mellophone players from surrounding schools. I wanted to expand this support to students outside of my area, and help set students up for success, no matter where they are. This is what motivated me to create The Mellophone Boot Camp Digital Course.
I teach private and group french horn, mellophone and brass students both in person and virtually. I earned my Masters degree in french horn performance in 2013 from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.
I am also a guest lecturer at the collegiate level, sharing what I have learned about the anatomy of brass playing - specifically the muscles of our breathing and the brass embouchure. In these lectures, I share how we can use this anatomical knowledge to better problem solve common embouchure and playing issues in both students and professionals.
I also enjoy an incredibly fulfilling and varied performance life. I am a founding member of the Wayside Winds, a professional woodwind quintet in the greater Cincinnati area. I have also performed in many musical theater pits across the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky regions. I have also performed with the Queen City Opera, Dayton Philharmonic, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Springfield (OH) Symphony Orchestras.
Hear what parents and students are sharing about their experience with The Mellophone Boot Camp:
“My son recently completed the Mellophone Boot Camp course, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the experience! The lessons were clear, well-organized, and engaging — perfect for building both technique and confidence. The one-on-one video sessions were especially valuable, offering personal feedback and motivation that really helped him improve his ability. We’ve noticed a big difference in his playing, and he feels much more prepared for band season. Highly recommend this course to any student looking to grow musically with great support from Emily!”
“Ms. Toth’s Mellophone Boot Camp video series is one of the best resources out there for mellophone players looking to sharpen their skills. The lessons are pre-recorded, but they feel personal, focused, and easy to follow—like she’s right there coaching you one-on-one. Each video is thoughtfully structured, covering everything from embouchure and breath control to technique drills and articulation exercises. Ms. Toth has a clear, engaging teaching style that makes even the more challenging concepts approachable. She explains why each drill matters and shows exactly how to do it, so you’re not just going through the motions—you’re learning to practice with purpose.
One of the best parts about the video format is the flexibility. You can go at your own pace, revisit sections that need more attention, or even build your own practice routine around the lessons. It’s like having a full private lesson library you can access anytime. Even though it’s not a live camp, the series still builds a strong sense of progress and momentum. Each lesson connects to the next, gradually building your strength, control, and confidence. Ms. Toth anticipates common mistakes and gives clear solutions, which makes a big difference when you’re working on your own.
By the end of the series, I felt more prepared, more capable, and way more in control of my playing. If you’re looking for a structured, high-quality mellophone resource that you can use anytime, anywhere, this video boot camp is the perfect choice.”
“I’d like to start with how impressed I am at how Ms. Toth put this all together on her own. I was a freshman starting my first year in marching band as a clarinet player. Soon after I started band camp my director told me that there were a few too many clarinets and asked if I’d be interested in switching to mellophone. I had zero experience with brass or anything of that sort so I knew if I agreed to this I would need some sort of lessons. My director, Mr Fischer, recommended Ms. Toth and her Mellophone Boot Camp to me and it was the biggest help. I knew absolutely nothing about the instrument and these videos gave everything from the basics of cleaning the instrument to learning scales. I am still going strong with the mellophone and can’t wait to get even better this year. Thanks so much to you Ms. Toth!”
“I am so grateful for The Mellophone Boot Camp. My daughter was asked by her high school band director to switch from clarinet to mellophone for marching band and Ms. Toth was recommended to us. Her Mellophone Boot Camp provided options making it easy for my daughter to learn at her own pace while keeping up with the rigorous band camp schedule. The curriculum included organized and easy to use resources that allowed my daughter to track her progress and also refer back to. Ms. Toth was available for questions and provided support. When my daughter was ready for lessons, Ms. Toth was knowledgeable, encouraging and accommodating. My daughter’s band director was very impressed with her progress. I highly recommend The Mellophone Boot Camp to anyone new to mellophone or interested in improving.”
“I am very pleased with the progress she has made during the camp, and would highly recommend it for any student new to the mellophone. Emily is a great teacher and really cares about the progress of her students! You can tell she loves what she does, and very much enjoys working with the students.”
“I cannot say how much this positively impacted our daughter’s playing when she first entered marching band! Emily is a phenomenal teacher! Claire now studies French Horn with her and she has made such a difference in Claire’s playing.”