Clarinet Lessons in Merrifield, VA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my young beginning piano students, I apply the Piano Adventures Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. For my older beginning piano students (13/14 and up), I apply the Alfred Adult Piano Method to ensure the material meets the student at his/her academic level. As for all woodwind students, I apply the Reubank Methody (Beginning, Intermediate, Advance), alongside Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for students currently in a school band. Once each student has reached a satisfactory level of performance, solo repertoire is then introduced. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style varies for each student's individual needs. For beginner students I often try the easiest way for the student to enjoy the lesson while also giving the most value in their time. It is my desire to show every student that they have what is capable of making great music, now. Creating a supportive environment for the student to explore their instrument in all ways and gain the understanding that everything they do on their instrument is an opportunity to learn and grow is of utmost importance to me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I was also a member of the school's jazz ensembles and began to study improvisation. Between 2008 and 2013 I taught classes and lessons, mostly classical in nature, but also played regularly in jazz ensembles around Washington DC. I honed my improvisation skills through attending Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop in NY and recieving lessons from the great Lee Konitz. I've had the opportunity to play with many formidable members of the jazz community, both old and young, and have performed at many venues. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion

I have a unique resume as a music educator. I have taught band on the high school and collegiate levels as well served as a Guest Clinician and Conductor at various High School and College Band Camps around the Southeastern United States. I feel my experience as a Assistant Band Director has helped to develop my unique approach to band as demonstrated in my philosophy. As a Head Band Director I have demonstrated the ability to movtivate my students to strive for the best they can be with great success. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

In college I took a woodwind pedagogy class because I wanted to focus my teaching on my primary instruments rather than a general knowledge of music. I began teaching professional in the summer of 2013 when I worked for the Bel Air School of Music(now defunct) as a Saxophone and Clarinet teacher. While I believe strongly in the importance of musical fundamentals, I also like to think outside the box as a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching music to students has always been a huge passion of mine and developing a love of music is always my top priority. I had a lot of bad habits that developed over years so it will always be my goal to make sure this isn't the case with my students. Playing music should be fun, never too hard or painful. I will put a big emphasis on posture and building proper habits from the beginning. Read More