Clarinet Lessons in West Menlo Park, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to 1985 when I got my Masters of Music in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music. As soon as I got back to California I started teaching privately. I have also been on the faculty of the Notre Dame college in Belmont, Santa Clara University and the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View. I also coach in the middle schools and high schools nearby. Read More

Instruments: Flute Clarinet

When it comes to my teaching style, it is important for the student to learn at their own pace.  I will set goals for my students based off of how he or she learns so that they can progress in a way that is comfortable for them.  I will never push the student to where he or she is uncomfortable and become discouraged and lose interest.  I also encourage the students to ask any questions that they have and that should never feel embarrassed about their questions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style is very simple: Dare to be great. I have found that performance in music is believing in yourself. That can only come when you have been taught good fundamentals coupled with freedom of expression to make mistakes. Only then, we have breakthroughs. Only then, we start having fun. Only then, we have the courage to be great. Then you are great. ...and the rest is history. Having said that, I inspire, not drive, my students. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I like to ground my teaching in a line my own teacher, Carey Bell, often told me-- "if you make a mistake, no one dies!" Music is a challenging discipline in every respect, so I encourage my students to approach it from as positive and joyful a place as possible where mistakes are not a failure but simply a sign that further work needs to be done. Achievement in performance is only rewarding when the student takes ownership of their playing, so I do everything I can to allow clarinet to be a real and positive presence in my students' lives. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My experience in teaching is not only in the musical aspect. I was also a Spanish teacher for Centro Latino in Berkeley. Teaching music is like teaching another languages. In my specialties, clarinet and saxophone, the pause, breathing and acentuation have a very important part in phrasing the notes. The melody should flow "as we speak", in a normal way and with the right entonation. I have two children who are also musicians, an 11 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I am motivated to teach students all aspects of music. Each lesson focuses on scales and exercises, performance pieces, and musical creation. I graduated from St. Mary's college in 2006 with a BA of performing arts. I am currently playing with the Walnut Creek Concert Band and The Community Womens Orchestra. I have had the opportunity to play with Awesome Orchestra, Dirty Cello, a Prince cover band and many other jazz and classical groups. Read More