Clarinet Lessons in Community, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

I have had the pleasure of teaching music and private lessons to elementary and primary aged children for 10 years. I have also worked with high school and middle school band students in preparation for festivals and other countywide auditions as well as college auditions. More specifically, I have been teaching in-home private bassoon and clarinet lessons in the Washington metro area for four years. Working one-on-one with students of all ages affords me the opportunity to get to know my students and to become even more invested in their success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For all students I strongly encourage an appropriate level to begin with. I am very familiar and prefer to teach with the James Bastien series. This series come with the appropriate assigned age level. There are four books with each level. A technic, theory, performance, and Piano. While progressing through that level I mix in to teach Major, Minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales for theory and fundamentals. Other than this specific material I like to match personalities along with solos and other fun activities! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I begin with method books to teach the fundamentals and establish good practice routines. Once a good foundation is established, I like to move into solo and ensemble repertoire to develop lyricism and expression. For adults, I find out what the students are interested in, and direct my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun regardless of ability level. I have rigorous practice routines for all ability and commitment levels. Read More