Clarinet Lessons in Echo Park, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a professional musician in the Southern California area who has been blessed to be able to do what I love to do for all these years. My main instrument is saxophone with flute and clarinet being my primary doubles. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Della Reese, Ralph Carmichael, Johnny Mathis, Mitch Miller, The Four Freshmen,The Cab Calloway Band, Vicki Carr, Rita Moreno, Barbara Morrison, John Stephens, Gerald Wilson, Lucy Woodward, Little Willie G, Bob Wilson, Bud Nuanez, Freddie Ravel, Rick Drexler, Tommy Walker, Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Johnson, Alex Acuna, Rique Pantoja, Justo Almario, Abe Laboriel, Andre Crouch, Leon Patillo, Kirk Whalum, Phil Driscoll, Norman Brown, Brian Simpson, Rayford Griffin, Ricky Lawson, Alex Al, Julio Figueroa, Jon Gibson as well as played and written for cartoons such as "Ren and Stimpy", "Angry Beavers", "Jimmy Neutron", "Sitting Ducks", and children's projects for Disney and Sesame Street and movie projects as a performer/actor with Danny Devito, Jim Carrey, Paul Giamatti. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Piccolo Oboe

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've held a variety of teaching positions since then that have enriched my abilities and experience as a teacher both privately and in the classroom. This includes being the Jewish Music Specialist and song leader for four different camps over the years, show directing at School of Rock, and single-handedly implementing the music program for Heketi Charter School in 2017-2018. Last but certainly not least, the transition to online formatting due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced me to explore new pedagogies and business models alike. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I try to have as much fun as possible while still maintaining a high expectiation of performance.  I am, by trade and training, a comedian, so jokes and laughter abound. Most of my students might say I'm not as funny as I think I am, but we still have fun! I am, however a stickler for learning the basics of music theory and correct use of vocabulary. Students won't move on to the next level until I know they have a firm grasp of prior concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger beginning students, I typically use a method book, such as Accent on Achievement or something similar. For older beginners, I typically use the Rubank beginner's book. With this book, the student learns the fundamentals for their instrument. Once the student demonstrates an understanding of this, we will move on to sheet music. For more advanced students, we will typically use an etude book like Klose to explore the technical aspects of musical performance (such as technique development, phrasing, dynamics, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

While all of my students study the same fundamental musical principles, I believe that every lesson should be as unique as every person. That's why I always create new, customized lesson plans and provide individualized materials for all of my students. In my experience, this approach is most effective at increasing the student's musical ability—and it's a lot more fun! Rather than just going cover to cover through a method book, we'll keep things interesting and fresh by playing music games (especially with younger students), composing our own music, listening to new artists, and working on pieces that are requested by the student. Read More