Clarinet Lessons in Martinez, CA

Instruments: Clarinet

My only teaching philosophy is simple-- all learning comes from the student, not the teacher. If the student isn't engaged and having fun, no amount of teaching will have an effect! I like to tailor specific exercises to my students that most fundamental books do not have, giving them a level of individual attention that encourages fast, specific improvement. Students of mine typically leave lessons with a personalized set of exercises to help them achieve their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I was educated from age 7 in Clarinet, reaching the highest award offered by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music at age 12. I was graded A* for my school music exam (GCSE) a year early, and also gained and A Grade in my college (A Level). Seeking to go to music college I then took ABRSM Grade 6 piano. I played in the Birmingham Schools Wind Orchestra (Principal Clarinet) and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (1st Alto Saxophone). Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style is very simple: Dare to be great. I have found that performance in music is believing in yourself. That can only come when you have been taught good fundamentals coupled with freedom of expression to make mistakes. Only then, we have breakthroughs. Only then, we start having fun. Only then, we have the courage to be great. Then you are great. ...and the rest is history. Having said that, I inspire, not drive, my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The most rewarding thing for me in teaching is learning how to create with my student. Finding the best tools for growth with the student and accessing them is the crucial component to how I teach. Gaining trust, confidence, and joy in lessons produces the highest and most sustainable growth and development of the technique, sound, and musicality of the growing musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Music

I do my best to find the "Goldilocks Zone" for each student; I make sure to assign exercises that aren't too easy, but not impossible. One of the newest sayings that I have adopted into my studio is "Nothing is difficult, it is just new". There is nothing in music (or life) that is too difficult; it is just new. You just need to take the time to figure out how to do it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

Playing piano is my greatest reward in life, being able to bring a smile to a face of any age. After graduating from Cal Poly with a concentration in performance and theory, I was musical director of The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville theater. I was able to broaden my horizons performing, teaching, composing and arranging all different styles of music.and can even play piano upside down now! I was also music director of a local Christian church which has enabled me to become proficient in sacred/praise music as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Clarinet

The technique I use is based on the Alexander Method of teaching and promotes proper breath control and tone placement over volume production and belting. Most singers, young and old, come to me with the idea that to create volume, you must yell or sing from your throat. With that mindset, what oftentimes happens is the voice will give out after five years and will result in the need of surgery to remove things like vocal nodules. Read More