Clarinet Lessons in Thorndale, PA

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically utilize Alfred's Basic Lesson Books to introduce basic theory and concepts. These books incorporate fill-in-the-blank and performance-based assessments to ensure understanding. I also create customized flashcards, worksheets, and games to provide fun and interactive opportunities for individualized learning. As students advance, I assign scales and Hanon finger exercises to strengthen finger strength and skill. While I advocate learning classics from composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, I also encourage students to pick popular music that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

I typically start woodwind students with the Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method series. I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for piano instruction. In addition to the method book, I like to incorporate physical/breathing exercises, supplemental warm-ups, sight-reading, music theory worksheets, and student selected repertoire in lessons. I also encourage students to create their own compositions. In the past, I have digitally recorded many of my students' compositions and have really enjoyed encouraging students to express themselves through original composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Keyboard

My method when teaching students that are starters (kids) i used books like teaching little fingers to play piano and john Thompson which introduce learning of notes, their instrument, posture, and rhythm. Most of these books are in sets and will take the student to an advanced bigger player! From here I incorporate a method of learning at least 3-4 pieces ( A piece that has mostly a melodic line, a piece that concerns more of rhythmic exercises and then to a last piece which is a study) i will also top it up with scales and arpeggios and also a sense of knowing your instrument overall, listening , Aural and also incorporate sight reading . Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

While my lessons are catered to each individual student, each follows a general curriculum that I have developed over the years through teaching. Method books are a great structured way to quickly get confident on an instrument, however they don't often encourage listening skills or creativity. This is why I structure my lessons around particular method books like Rubank or Faber while providing additional pieces, exercises, and improvising to supplement the book. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard

I am an energetic woodwind multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator born and raised in Philadelphia, always open to musical opportunities regardless of the style. Since graduating from Temple University Boyer College of Music in 2021, I've been hard at work leading my solo fusion jazz project, GPS (Gabe Preston Sounds or Galactic Prism Sounds), with our debut album [to the stratosphere] currently available on all streaming platforms and a new album in the works later this year. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet

I find that the most important thing about teaching, especially teaching music, is finding what your students are interested in and getting to know them on a personal level. As a teacher, I have to learn about the unique learning styles my students have, their individual needs, and their goals and dreams as a musician in order to best teach them. Praising accomplishments and encouraging public performances is also very important as a teacher, as for the student, that positive feedback will drive them towards more success in the future. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have over 10 years of performing and teaching experience in a variety of genres. My past private teachers include members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, PA Ballet, and New York Philharmonic. Read More