Clarinet Lessons in Strongsville, OH

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I started teaching private lessons in 1990 and continued through my college years and as I raised my two sons. I was thrilled to move to Maple Heights where I can have a room dedicated as a music studio. I started the band program at my k-8 school in 2000 and currently teach band to high school students. I have continued teaching privately because I enjoy the one on one experience with the student. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I love teaching because I believe most, if not all, people love music and can learn to love making music. I want it to be fun for them, to keep them interested. I believe that a set of expectations on the student is required to keep them motivated, but I am never upset or disappointed if they don't practice enough. I think keeping them involved in music is the most important part, and I know that many students will not pursue a full time career in music, but music is valuable to them in so many ways. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Students will be presented with all the necessary skills in order to properly perform on the clarinet: breathing, posture, hand and finger position, embouchure, tone production, articulation, technique, rhythmical precision, transposition, and sight-reading. A wide selection of clarinet literature will be presented: classical, romantic and contemporary eras (baroque transcriptions as needed). Orchestral excerpts may be taught throughout the course of study (depending on students desire). The sequence of materials will be adapted to the specific needs and musical/clarinet background of the individual student. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Teaching beginning Clarinet is one of my specialties. Generally speaking, I use the Belwind Band builder and Standard of Excellence method books to teach fundamentals of the Clarinet. I also mix my own teaching style, especially forming an embouchure (how one's lips and teach rest on the mouth piece). I believe it is very important to teach embouchure, breathing and posture to ensure great habits once the beginning student progresses. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner saxophone and clarinet players I tend to use the first book in the series from Standard of Excellence. After those first two books I move them into the Rubank Intermediate Series of books. For saxophonist, and even some clarinetist that would like to learn some jazz I use the Lennie Niehaus Jazz Conception Series. I always try to find what the student would like to learn to play and then guide my teaching from that point. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style of lesson is like water.. No two students are alike. I must first test a beginner to see if they're tone deaf.. An advanced student is tested for any limitations or handicaps. Any good coach would study the student for any weakness, and formulate a viable plan to bridge the gap again to take them further faster.. Example: I have an 11 year old student that reads the pink panther very well, but has no clue what key he's in, or how to transpose etc. Read More