Clarinet Lessons in Fair Haven, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

After graduating from college, I began teaching privately in my home state of Texas at the middle and high school levels in New Braunfels and Austin. Soon, I began teaching adults as well and when I moved to Washington D.C. in fall of 2006, I became the Music Instructor at The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, a center for adults with developmental disabilities. This experience had a great impact on me in terms of understanding the big picture in that the goals and methods relating to the technical aspects of music lessons, but the grand value that music offers in terms of the emotional and spiritual rewards as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For all of my students, regardless of level, playing together in lessons is a big part of my teaching method. Playing together in lessons fosters intonation, musical commutation skills and sound blending. For beginning students, I work a lot on sound production and tonguing through progressive etudes and duets. I incorporate performance environments early into my curriculum. For older students, I explore fundamentals through advanced etudes and work on solo repertoire, chamber music and orchestral excerpts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate about inspiring love for music in my students, and creating a supportive private lesson experience from which students find enjoyment and the motivation to develop their talents. Lesson plans are tailored to the interests of each individual student, so that their musical progress is a fun process that the student is enthusiastic about. I provide a friendly, encouraging atmosphere paired with expectations to reach realistic goals we set together. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More