Clarinet Lessons in Gainesville, VA

Instruments: Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

For beginner clarinet and bassoon students, I usually start with either the Standard of Excellence or Accent on Achievement method books. More specifically for intermediate or more advanced students I use the J. Weissenborn Method for Bassoon and the H. Klose Method for Clarinet. Once students have progressed, at-level solo repertoire is introduced. I also try to find or write music that is current in order to spark and keep interest in their chosen instrument and to keep students engaged regardless of their ability. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

For my beginner students who are either children or adults, I will typically start your training using the methods Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Klose methods books.Once you have grasped the fundamentals of your instruments and training, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for your first recital performance such as the works of Mozart, Rose, and Benny Goodman etc. However, for the adults or more advanced players, I will try to find out what most interest you and guide my instruction according to your abilities to keep the lessons more engaging and fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Beginner Piano - I typically start out with Faber's Piano Adventures Series. Once they have grasped the reading of music, scales, and arpeggios I start branching out into a fundamental book such as Finger Power and we start working on songs that they find fun and interesting. Once we get into the grove I start teaching more in depth theory. Beginner Band/Orchestra - I typically start out with the method book that is used in your school district. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I have at my disposal a variety of method books and exercises that I use with my students, depending on their age, level of achievement, and particular needs. I tend to use Accent on Achievement, the Breeze-Easy Methods, and the Belwin/Alfred Student Instrumental Course for young and developing players. As the student advances, I use the Rubank Advanced Method Volume I, then transfer to method books specific to the particular instrument being studied. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

It is very important for the music instructor to learn the nature and characteristics of his/her students. It is crucial that the teacher can make adjustments to teach according to the nature of their students, some students can learn really fast and may have a desire to be pushed harder, but many students are either normal or may require a longer time to digest the material. I encourage students to practice in order to help their progress and I always model for students in the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson with me will be structured like this:Emphasis on basics (scales, studies, tuning, etc)Sight Reading and Ear TrainingLearning techniques through pieces I am always aiming for technical building through the process of working through real music in order to keep lessons fun and engaging. I typically start beginning students with Essential Elements and work through the basics with that approach. Read More