Clarinet Lessons in Cedars, PA

Instruments: Clarinet

I believe that the first thing you have to have is a good fundamental foundation. I always start with breathing correctly and assembling the instrument before playing notes. The core concepts I teach in the beginning are tone, dexterity, and tonguing. As for specific exercises, no two students are the same. I assign or create exercises based on the specific student's needs as a player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson will include Warm ups (for breath and tone development) Technical exercises (scales, etc.) Etudes (changes weekly) Solo repertoire (long-term study) Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From there we learn simple songs -- sometimes by ear, and sometimes by reading music (both are valuable skills to have). From there we learn how those songs we learned are built. This is the theory part. Once a student has a rudimental understanding of theory they can begin to compose their own songs! When this is done spontaneously people refer to it as improvisation, but don't let the names fool you. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Clarinet Bass Guitar Double Bass

In regards to teaching style, I am persistant with practice, while understanding of ability. This is a method that is applied by setting goals and following a direction that introduces and builds upon ideas, all while taking the student's progress and aptitude into account. I often try to balance out the harder, sometimes tedious work of technique and theory with songs that the student requests or shows interest in playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

In 2007, I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. I was a member of the Penn State Marching Blue Band and have participated in several Alumni Blue Band performances since graduating. I went on to earn my Masters of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2012. I enjoyed teaching music in the public school for ten years. In addition to teaching, I have also been the piano accompanist for both middle and high school choirs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In 2014 I completed my Doctor of Musical Arts degree and moved to the Philadelphia area. I have been an active performer, composer, and educator for the last 15 years of my life recently serving as Artist in Residence at Penn State's Altoona campus. Alongside performing in the Philadelphia area I have been a guest lecturer and artist for The University of the Arts in 2014 and 2015. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style begins with creating a positive environment for the student to keep them encouraged and wanting to continue their study. I try to keep the students engaged by finding a balance of what the students want to work on, as well as what I want them to be working on. I understand that every student learns differently, and I won't teach every student the same way. I will give the students goals to reach every week, so they can see the progress themselves, and I always ensure to acknowledge when a student has succeeded with something that was assigned to them. Read More