Teacher Profile: Brayden Swope

About Brayden Swope

Brayden Swope is a music educator who specializes in teaching tuba and low brass, while also working with a wide range of band and orchestra instruments. He enjoys music because of its ability to express ideas and emotions that words often cannot, and he values the sense of connection it creates between people. For him, music is both a personal outlet and a shared experience, which is what makes teaching it so rewarding.

Brayden began his musical journey at the age of 9 in his school band program, where he started on euphonium before switching to tuba a year later after being drawn to its depth and power. Throughout middle and high school, he was actively involved in band and orchestra programs, developing his skills through consistent rehearsal and performance. It wasn’t until the second half of high school that he took a small number of private lessons with university professors, which helped refine his playing and gave him a clearer sense of higher-level musicianship. He went on to study Instrumental Music Education and Music Performance at Central Washington University, where he performed as principal tubist of both the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra while also holding several additional leadership roles. During this time, he competed in national and international competitions, and in 2021, he won the SWRTEC Mock Audition at Concordia University Irvine. In 2023, he won the principal tuba position with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, where he continues to serve in that role.

As a teacher, Brayden believes music education should be meaningful, engaging, and accessible to all students. He focuses on helping students build strong fundamentals while also developing independence, confidence, and personal expression. His teaching emphasizes consistency, thoughtful practice, and high expectations within a supportive environment. He is excited to work with LIYH students because of their curiosity and willingness to grow, and he is committed to helping each student develop not only as a musician, but as a thoughtful and disciplined individual.