Clarinet Lessons in Riverside, CT

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For students, both children and adults, I like to put great emphasis on ear training and improvisation. Although I emphasize ear training and improvisation, I do not neglect sight reading and learning repertoire. I make sure to balance these two as well as make sure the student is practicing songs they enjoy as well! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My goal is to give my students a strong music foundation such as developing great/productive practice habits, instrument care, exposing them to great artist and bands of different genres that will inspire and motivate them to become the best musicians they can be. I believe in patience is a virtue when it comes to a student's progression in music. I believe that understanding the foundation and fundamentals of learning an instrument is the first step to mastering the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I strive to maintain a fun stress free environment in my lessons. I want my students to feel comfortable making mistakes because with each mistake is an opportunity to learn a new concept or fix an underlying problem. I also encourage students to suggest material to be played or worked on during lessons. I've found that if my students are working on music that they choose to play, they have more motivation and it's more fun. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I started playing in the 4th grade. I played in RB bands in high school and enrolled at Berklee College of Music where I have a Bachelor Degree in Composition. I also studied privately with Charles Banacos (increible piano and jazz teacher), Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Viola, Joe Allard ( whose Saxophone methods I teach, who was the teacher of every major saxophone player in his day including Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, and countless others ) , learned circle breathing from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, recorded 2 albums at Grammavision with Al Macdowell (Bass player for 40 years with Ornette Coleman). recodered and learned as much as I could grasp from Don Cherry and Ornette. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching music in college through my babysitting network. When the mothers and fathers of the children I cared for found out that I played piano and woodwinds, many of them asked if I would also give their kids private lessons. Having a knack with kids and with music, my music teaching practice quickly blossomed in that small town. I have found that while it's important to keep kids sharp in their ability to read music on the page, it is at least as important to engage their creativity off the page. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Method books vary by instrument and student; there is a wonderful, vast library of methods available, and I like to base my selections on many factors unique to every student. Age, experience level, musical understanding, etc. all inform my choice of course of study. I will always supplement method books with my own exercises and studies tailored to each particular student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I prefer to start them on a book based in warming up and getting used to movement in hands if we are playing piano. Throughout my teaching, I incorporate music theory and ear training into my classes as it creates a fantastic bridge to understanding the instrument. As we get used to our new instrument, I will recommend some songs to get started on and allow my students to come to class with ideas and songs that they want to learn how to play or sing. Read More