Clarinet Lessons in Rison, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

Classes for beginners will focus on tone quality, articulation, rhythm, reading music, and playing in time. Students will learn breathing and fingering techniques as well as structured routines for practicing at home. Intermediate players will begin by mastering the 12 major scales and arpeggios in straight and swing patterns. Basic 12-bar blues structure will be introduced and students will learn to improvise using the blues and pentatonic scales. Students will begin to develop an appreciation for different styles of jazz through listening and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My approach to teaching is that the student should be having a good time playing. There are so many different pieces of music out there, students can play a great variety of works at all different skill levels, and still be able to develop their intonation, articulation, and fingering accuracy. I will make sure students are working on pieces challenging enough so that they get something out of playing it, but not so challenging they are discouraged. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I found love when I learned to make music. I have been playing saxophone since elementary school and even focused my college studies around it, graduating with honors from Florida AM University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music. I've had a wide range of experiences through music from Superbowl appearances to touring China as a musical ambassador for the 2008 Olympic games. I've performed with a number of well known jazz and classically trained musicians including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For all students I strongly encourage an appropriate level to begin with. I am very familiar and prefer to teach with the James Bastien series. This series come with the appropriate assigned age level. There are four books with each level. A technic, theory, performance, and Piano. While progressing through that level I mix in to teach Major, Minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales for theory and fundamentals. Other than this specific material I like to match personalities along with solos and other fun activities! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion

I focus on the fundamentals.  When a student has a firm grasp on the fundamentals they can survive in any arena being a musician may place you in. Additionally I like to help my students discover their unique voice and how that uniqueness helps to add to a bands overall performance. Additionally, To me band is much more then just an extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity for me to touch the life of a child by allowing them to see the larger world through performances and trips. 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