Clarinet Lessons in Santa Monica, CA

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

My goal as a teacher is to see my students grow not only in skill, but in their love for music. With this in mind, I make a special effort not to overwhelm my students. I know that every person has a different set of talents and strengths, so I design my curriculum to fit each students' needs. As a whole, the idea behind my teaching is to create a challenge without creating stress because at the end of the day, happy students produce great music! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

By letting students practice how to improvise, students will learn not only the instrument itself, but also start to build a concept of ear-training, as well as music theory. To me, the music comes first than the music theory, which is why music theory always serves people's ear. I would have students learn how to play and hear chords, create a musical vocabulary and enjoy themselves. After letting them hear music, I will explain why they are hearing what they are hearing instead of letting them read it from a chart and not explaining why. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

When I start with a student, I try to find out what kind of goals they have in learning about clarinet. Whether it's just to learn how to play a few songs or if they want to audition into music school, I channel wherein music their passion lies into my teaching. Regardless of their goals, my hope is that with all of my students, I can give them a new perspective of music and help develop the same passion I found in clarinet within their learning and music making. There is no greater reward to me than having a student walk away from a lesson feeling more inspired to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to play audio/recordings for the students when possible, so that the student has an idea of the style, or the piece that we are studying.  This gives them something to reference to, but also gives them an aural aspect in their playing/practice habits. I also model for them constantly, so that they get more visual and aural reinforcement.  I sometimes give them short music concept/vocabulary assignments, such as learning the names of the notes on the staff, counting rhythms, meters, etc; all having to do with music theory and musical concepts that can be directly applied to their practical aspect of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore, it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what truly inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and the needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I like to teach students in a way that encourages them to think for themselves and learn how to correct their own mistakes. I think it is important for students to develop a solid practice routine, which they can use for years to come. I like inspiring students by going beyond learning their instrument to helping them understand the history of their instrument and the music they are learning and the role/importance of music to them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe every mind and thus every student is different. So especially when teaching something inherently creative like music, I almost always have to be inventive with my pedagogy. Every student has their own interests, learning style, and goals, and as an educator, listening to and really HEARING those is just step 1. Step 2, 3, etc. is to "creatively" construct a curriculum that fits that student; creativity is a requirement. To use specific example to highlight my teaching style, I worked with a boy named Adam from the time he was 9 through about 13. Read More