Clarinet Lessons in Highland, CA

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

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

By letting students practice how to improvise, students will learn not only the instrument itself, but also start to build a concept of ear-training, as well as music theory. To me, the music comes first than the music theory, which is why music theory always serves people's ear. I would have students learn how to play and hear chords, create a musical vocabulary and enjoy themselves. After letting them hear music, I will explain why they are hearing what they are hearing instead of letting them read it from a chart and not explaining why. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

As a piano teacher and composer, I have always loved teaching and working with children in the area of music and the arts. I graduated from Ithaca College School of Music with a BA in music composition and an instrumental emphasis on string bass and piano. I have been performing throughout grade school, in college and after college. I have been with groups such as the New Patlz Symphony Orchestra and the Saddleback Church Orchestra on string bass, and the Ulster County Concert Band on clarinet. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I use the Rubank method of books as a traditonal conservatory approach to early progression. I find their systematic flow efficient and effective to consistent improvement. We would then move to fulfilling repertoire that would qualify the student for collegiate study and competitive performance. For those interested in jazz, pop, and rock, we would proceed to study several instruction books and recorded material that over the years I have found to successfully progress a student in those genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Jazz, Improvisation, Musicianship, Technique, Functional Piano. Topics also included are 1) Breathing 2) Phrasing 3) Articulations 4) Scale Studies 5) understanding Chord Symbols 6) Chord Symbols and there related chord scales 7) Harmonic and Melodic anaylsis. For more advance players I like to introduce them to Aebersol play-along, Berklee method books and lennies Nehaus to work on phrasing and articulation for the student that plans on playing in a jazz band at school. For beginner students who usually are Children or sometimes adults who have maybe never played a musical instrument I will typically start with Hal leonard or Rubank method and once the student has grasp some of the fundamentals I will begin to either introduce Solo material ( Classical) or if thier interest is in Popular Music-Jazz start learning to play either some Blues and Standards depening upon the path the student is interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

Playing music is fun! Lessons should reflect that. One of the things I learned in my studies was to hold my students to their own standard of excellence instead of trying to have them meet my own. In addition to all of the technical aspects of playing an instrument, the greatest asset a musician has is their musical concept of sound. I highly encourage all of my students to listen to the greatest players of their respective instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Clarinet

I have the goal of helping students look at music the way I do: with passion and inspiration. I encourage students to open their minds and set goals for themselves. For example, I would ask them the question, "By playing music, what do you want to accomplish?" I have asked this question to myself many times throughout my life thus far, and it has worked because I have accomplished so much. Read More