Clarinet Lessons in Churchville, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I find that the simpler the methods, the better. Essential Elements is a great series for beginners, and is a good way to teach basic music theory and musical ideas. As students progress, I like to introduce solo repertoire and books that are more specific to the instrument that they are learning. I also like to find out what music the student enjoys listening to, or has a desire to play, and start to add songs in that style to their list of practice pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I typically start woodwind students with the Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method series. I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for piano instruction. In addition to the method book, I like to incorporate physical/breathing exercises, supplemental warm-ups, sight-reading, music theory worksheets, and student selected repertoire in lessons. I also encourage students to create their own compositions. In the past, I have digitally recorded many of my students' compositions and have really enjoyed encouraging students to express themselves through original composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After practice with those skills, I will give more challenging pieces and scale studies to start working on their proficiency on the instrument. The student will always get a choice in the amount of work and practice they would like to put in, but the more practice the better. Not only will my students get a choice in how much work they would like to put in, but also in what work they will be doing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to teach without books as much as possible as I feel it allows the student to internalize musical concepts better. The book series I use however is the Rubank method books. These have easy fundamental exercises to help keep the chops in shape and to work on reading music. I also recommend students buy sheet music of music they like(assuming it is at their playing level) and will happily work on it with them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my young beginning piano students, I apply the Piano Adventures Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. For my older beginning piano students (13/14 and up), I apply the Alfred Adult Piano Method to ensure the material meets the student at his/her academic level. As for all woodwind students, I apply the Reubank Methody (Beginning, Intermediate, Advance), alongside Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for students currently in a school band. Once each student has reached a satisfactory level of performance, solo repertoire is then introduced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

The recording of each lesson gives students something to look forward to at the end of our session. Whether they think that they've done really poorly or extremely well, I encourage them to listen to themselves critically and prepare to share genuine feedback. Then we discuss both their strengths and the areas of opportunity for growth. This practice helps students progress over time. Eventually, they become more expressive, creative, confident, engaged and excited about learning and sharing their talents with others. Read More