Clarinet Lessons in Nixon, PA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I typically teach the book that they use in band class. If they/the parents would prefer a specific book or are not in band, I typically use Standard of Excellence, the red book and then progress to the blue book. Once the student understands the fundamentals and has progressed, I then begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance.  For adults, I learn of what the student is interested in and then I guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter the ability. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginning students I typically start with the core concepts of clarinet playing, such as sound production, proper breathing, hand/finger position, and tonguing, as well as proper instrument assembly and care. We will begin with method books such as the Rubank Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced studies. After the student becomes comfortable with these core concepts of playing the clarinet, we will move on to more complex music including etudes and solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically use a combination of methods. For clarinet teaching, I like to use the Breeze-Easy method and also some materials from the Rubank method books. For intermediate or school-aged students, I like to supplement the material they are learning in school. I like to continue to use Rubank, Klose, and Rose books to continue to develop technique and musicality. For more advanced students or adult learners, I try to cater to the specific interests of the student while continuing to work on improving fundamental skills on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

My methodology follows a template: I will first establish a firm grasp on the fundamentals before moving my emphasis towards precise intonation and rhythm. I will then focus on giving students the creative drive and the tools to be masterful artists of their instruments so they are better able to bring a story to the notes on the paper. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

My students describe me as passionate, creative, interesting, and fun! After getting my bachelor's degree in music education from University of Maryland, I taught general, band, and strings in Montgomery County in Maryland. Then I taught ukulele, keyboard, drums, guitar, band, and choir in Dayton, Ohio. Now I am excited to teach lessons in Pittsburgh. While my main instrument is saxophone, where I teach all levels, I love to teach beginners on a variety of instruments, from voice and piano to keyboard and djembe! Read More