Clarinet Lessons in Rural Ridge, PA

Instruments: Clarinet

I am a dedicated clarinetist and private teacher in the Pittsburgh area, currently pursuing a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance degree at Carnegie Mellon University. I have travelled across the east coast to perform in venues including Carnegie Hall in New York City and The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In May 2021, I recieved my Bachelor of Music of Clarinet Performance from Temple University. My main studies have been with Michael Rusinek (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), Sam Caviezel (Philadelphia Orchestra), and Wayne Titerence (US Air Force Band). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style emphasizes areas that the student enjoys playing, as well as method books and technique exercises that will advance their playing. Developing and solidifying core concepts in lessons is more important to me than speeding through exercises in a book, and I always stress the importance of doing things right before moving on. I encourage my students to practice at their own pace, however I always stress that picking up the instrument for even just ten minutes a day for a week is better than one day for an hour. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I started playing the saxophone at the age of seven. Having an incredible middle school band teacher, I was drawn to teaching at an early age. In 2001, I completed my student teaching at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in I K-12 Instrumental Music Education. I have taught students in various music classes, mostly band and music technology, in alternative, independent, and public schools for 15 years. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I encourage progress. I love to see students become stronger and more confident musicians. I like to get students as much into "the real world" as possible, so I push for getting students performing as much as they are learning. I separate practice from performance, with an understanding that how a student sheds will be the core of what is possible in a performance setting.  Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

In 2019, I received the Semper Fidelis award from the Marine Corps in recognition of my diligence, dedication and musical excellence as a performing high school bandsman and soloist. I continued my clarinet studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where I recently graduated with a major in Music Performance alongside my additional major in Computational Biology. I have served as principal clarinetist of the University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since my freshman year of college, and have played in several chamber groups. 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: Saxophone Clarinet

For teaching clarinet students who are beginners, I use the book authored by Texas Lutheran University clarinet professor, Paula Corley entitled "So You Want to Play the Clarinet". Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I usually move to the Rubank books because of their varied content. If the student is working with a school group, we will sometimes work on that repertoire, but improving technique in general is always my focus. Read More