Clarinet Lessons in Costa Mesa, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Eric Letta is saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, recording artist, and teacher. His roots are deeply grounded in the traditions of jazz, but his exciting and creative style incorporates all genres, such as r&b, funk, and modern bop. A native of Akron, Ohio, he was a member of the Ohio All-State Jazz Ensemble before earning a degree from Kent State University. He spent the first ten years of his musical career playing in jazz and show bands around the Midwest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

He is featured on the John Daversa Big Band's latest studio album, "American Dreamers". As a grad student at Miami, Derek was a guest lecturer in Jazz Pedagogy courses and guest conducted the Frost Studio Jazz Band. He has been a member of the Jazz Education Network since 2013 and the International Trombone Association since 2014. His teachers include Vern Kagarice, Jan Kagarice, Tony Baker, Steve Wiest, Andre Hayward, and Dante Luciani. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like my students to bring a small notebook, so that they may write their homework down, and any practice assignments.  I expect my students to keep a practice log of how much time they practice per week, in between lessons.  I always insist that setting goals and expectations for them, is very important, as well as keeping track of whether they themselves are staying on task.  I try and incorporate different ways of practicing or playing music, so that even practicing turns into being fun and exciting and doesn't feel like a chore.  Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

As mentioned above, each student is motivated by something different and has different musical goals. I try to find ways to make lessons fun and interesting for each and every student. As such, my approach for a less serious student will be different from my approach for a more serious student. However, I make sure that all students have a goal that they are working towards; Perhaps, a piece that they hope to perform at contest or a concert, or mastering their scales and arpeggios in every key. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I've been playing the clarinet for over 20 plus years from middle school through college. I've performed in various concert bands, jazz bands, pep bands and chamber groups while in school. In addition to the clarinet, I can also play the saxophone as well. Groups that I played for includes the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band. I studied the clarinet at El Camino College and was a student of James E. Mack prinicple clarinetist from the Carson Dominguez Hills Symphony and also Studied Clarinet at California State University Long Beach under woodwind specialist Joe Stone from the Long Beach Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been a working music teacher and professional musician since 2003. My work has taken me all over the world, from exotic, global itineraries on board 5-star cruise ships, to the some of the top music venues in New York City, as well as the homes and classrooms of many satisfied students. I graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music, with a B.M. in Jazz Performance (saxophone). I also hold a Certificate of Eligibility in K-12 Music from the New Jersey Department of Education, as well as a Substitute Teaching Certificate (specializing in music) for Sussex County school districts in New Jersey. Read More