Clarinet Lessons in Flourtown, PA

Instruments: Clarinet

I believe that the first thing you have to have is a good fundamental foundation. I always start with breathing correctly and assembling the instrument before playing notes. The core concepts I teach in the beginning are tone, dexterity, and tonguing. As for specific exercises, no two students are the same. I assign or create exercises based on the specific student's needs as a player. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student progress and develop as a musician! In order for students to be successful they need to be encouraged and challenged throughout their musical studies. In order to do this, it is important to focus on the fundamentals of the instrument, as well as music that peeks the interest of the student. By having a mixture of fundamentals and music the students truly enjoys, they become driven and self-motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

First and foremost, learning any musical instrument should be a fun experience. With this in mind, each person's lesson is subjective and progresses according to the student's learning style; a beginning 5 yr old student's lesson will look much different that a beginning 14 yr old student's lesson. Each student will learn repertoire from a lesson book, solo repertoire and anything else that they may express interest in. As a student progresses, their repertoire will naturally become more challenging . Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons at the beginning of my time at Michigan State University. I have experience teaching all ages and skill levels including very young first timers up to experienced adults. In addition to private lessons, I have taught at the Apprentices in Jazz Workshop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a woodwind instructor, improvisation teacher, as well as big band director. While I am most experienced in Jazz, I love playing and teaching all types of music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

Music has enriched my life in many ways, connecting me with people in the community and providing a positive outlet for self-expression! I hope to instill that passion in the students that I teach. I strive to provide a safe and fun learning environment for students, but I also stress the importance of practice, dedication, and discipline. I dialogue with students to determine what goals would be realistic for our lessons, and I seek to build trusting and positive relationships as we meet those goals together. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to my undergraduate days, where I had plenty of field teaching opportunities as well as student teaching. My clarinet professor gave me opportunities to help out with teaching the Woodwind Methods classes at USM for more pedagogical experience. In grad school, I taught make-up lessons to undergraduate students, coached chamber ensembles, and taught lessons to non-majors. My philosophy of teaching starts with strong fundamentals, and knowing different ways to teach different students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I should start off by saying each student is unique, and since the lessons are one on one, my approach to each student will be unique. That being said, there are certain skill-sets and areas of focus that every student should learn. For complete beginners, I start off with technique. What is good posture? What is good hand position? How do you form a proper embouchure and produce a supported airstream? Read More