Clarinet Lessons in Buchanan, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

My goal in teaching woodwinds is to inspire young artists to find the joy in their own development. As a teaching musician for the past nine years, I have found my own joy in teaching on-on-one and watching my students progress over time. I like to teach active lessons full of movement, creation, and student-driven ideas. I teach the instrument - the notes, rhythms, techniques, but my students shine in their ability to use that knowledge to create something new and to feel confident about it. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For most students, I like to start fresh with an elementary method, usually Rubank or Langenus. I work through those two methods primarily and supplement them with etudes by Hite (Melodious and Progressive Studies) or Rose (40 Studies or 32 Etudes). I like to use Opperman's Velocity Studies and Baermann Third Division for scales/technique supplements and I also select pieces from the standard clarinet repertoire to tie everything together. Once students reach a certain level, I also like to implement the study of orchestral excerpts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop their own style in music and art. This progress happens at his or her own pace. Therefore, it is important that I set realistic goals per student. This leads to a positive teaching and learning environment. I truly believe that art, in this case music, is connected with life and therefore life is connected with art; What I am trying to say is that no matter what the level of the student is, when you teach and learn the right way, it goes way beyond music itself. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first ask the student to play so I can hear him/her. After a student plays a short piece of music of their own choosing I can determine what the next step is. Each student has his/her own individual needs. In general though I focus on 3 key elements: 1) Sound quality 2) Technical dexterity (how the fingers deal with the twists and turns of the instrument) 3) Reading Music If a student has a specific genre of music that he/she wants to focus on then I mainly concentrate on that. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In addition to helping me improve my facility with the saxophone, Paul helped me develop a solid pedagogy for the instrument. At Queens I also devised a curriculum for the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, a group which I founded and directed for one semester before graduating in 2012.   Since completing my masters degree, I've continued teaching privately, and performing with my groups, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. I perform around 80 shows a year, both in the New York Area and touring nationally. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My teaching includes all aspects of music; Musical theory, sight singing, as well as Music History. My teaching style allows the child to have fun while they learn their instrument, but I emphasize a strong practice regiment. Your child will understand that while learning music and an instrument can be fun, there will be some work involved if they want to become great. I usually use either the Alfred or Rubank method books to supplement a curriculum that I tailor make for each individual student. Read More