Clarinet Lessons in San Geronimo, CA

Instruments: Clarinet

My start in music was unexpected; I was set on a life in academia as a literature student when an honor band experience late in high school led me to swerve into a life in performing music. My teachers early on were very accepting and generous with me, as a student with vastly less experience than his peers, but I consumed their teaching ravenously. As a teacher, I began teaching young students as a summer job during my undergrad and later worked as a section coach for concert band clarinet sections in the Puget Sound area; during my graduate degree, I gave undergrads informal, routine lessons at their request, to supplement their own lesson experience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

My name is Cristóbal. I was born in Santiago, Chile in 1978. I have a Bachelor´s Degree in Clarinet from "Universidad Católica de Chile" (Chile 1999) where I received lessons from Francisco Gouet and the great Luis Rossi (I have one of his well known handmade Bb Clarinets). I studied Jazz Saxophone with Marcos Aldana, father and teacher of the 2013 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Saxophone Competition winner, Melisa Aldana. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For me the most important thing is to keep the students motivated. If that is not the case they won't do their part when they go home to practice. Sometimes I explain the theory and practical use of some exercises that in the beginning look tedious or exhausting so that the students can have a bigger idea of how the structure of music is created. Clarinet and saxophone are melodic instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I tailor my lessons to the needs of the individual student. I use a combination of lesson books, solos and exercises to bring out the best performances my students can achieve at the time. I feel it is important for us to have fun while learning. I also use practice sheets as a motivational tool for children, so they can earn stickers and small prizes for putting the practice time in required to learn the skills needed to continue moving to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students I like to start in the Standard of Excellence Series as well as the Rubank Method Books. I also try to allow my students a chance to play something they want at the end of lessons. As my students advance we add in classical pieces as well as jazz, and improvisation. Older students and adults we can fgure out what you want from the lessons. I try to work it so it is enjoyable for you yet not as elementary. The goal is to become advanced enough to create your own music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo

I think the best way to teach is to start with what my students are interested in and embed music concepts and theory throughout our lessons.  Additionally, I have a library of method books, lesson plans, literature, and curricula that I like to follow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More