Clarinet Lessons in Ferris, TX

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been teaching since age 15 (1999). In addition to extensive performing experience on clarinet, I have functioned as a piano accompanist, choir member, and praise band member through the years. As noted above, I teach clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piano. My methods vary according to each individual students' needs and goals, however I try to find the approach that will best help a student to appreciate music in general, sharpen the mind, and give each student a level of skill on their instrument that provides a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Additionally, I like to work with scales and long tones in a more advanced way, expanding the range of the instrument and tone quality as we prepare repertoire. With students interested in jazz, either as their primary course of study or in addition to classical music, we focus even more on scales and arpeggios, aiming to master first the most commonly used keys and then expanding to 12 key mastery. I like to begin with a play-along book like Jamey Aebersold's "Maiden Voyage", stressing the beginnings of improvisation, then moving on to more advanced tunes and chord progressions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I went to work for various school districts while keeping up my saxophone chops playing in country, funk, Tejano, rock roll, pop, and just about every other kind of ensemble one can think of. When I went to grad school I made principal saxophone in the wind ensemble and played at Carnegie Hall! While I was there (grad school) I taught a woodwind methods class and the freshman saxophone studio. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

After graduation, I was a successful band director in the DFW area for four years before returning to the private lessons world. I love teaching private lessons to students and watching them grow as musicians and people. In addition, I also serve the United States Army Reserve as a clarinetist in the 395th Army Band. I primarily serve as principal clarinetist for the Concert Band and play first part for the Clarinet Quintet. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

Since most of the students I teach are members of a band program, I make sure that most of my lessons are based on what is being learned at school. Planning an individual practice schedule is imperative for their success but at the same time make it enjoyable so the student will want to practice. Constant acknowledgement of their progress each lesson the student more eager to learn. Even though the school program may require students to learn from specific material, I also tailor instruction to music they enjoy performing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been teaching band in the Dallas Independent School District for 25 years as of 2019 and privately as well. I really enjoy working with students privately the most. I have also performed professionally with several bands as well over the past 30 years and currently. I love helping musicians of all ages to improve their performance skills and confidence in presenting them. I encourage my students to enter competitions so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

No matter what age, any starting clarinetist needs to understand the fundamentals of the clarinet. Once these fundamentals are acquired, we move on to the basics of reading music and playing the clarinet such as learning the circle of fourths and practicing pieces of music that is from a certain major scale. Ear training and music theory will also be involved in each lesson to understand music further. Each lesson is fun filled and packed with many activities to motivate my students to love music and have a passion for playing the clarinet. Read More