Clarinet Lessons Grady County, OK

Instruments: Piano, Flute, Clarinet

Teaching Methods: For piano students, I like to use the Alfred Books.  They have books for young beginners, older beginners, through adults.  The books also have songs the students know, and additional books with a variety of styles.  They are written in a clear, manner that explains new skills and moves slowly so students won't get discouraged.  I also add music for the seasons or in the style the students like often written by myself.  For flute, clarinet, and saxophone I generally start with the methods that they use in band, for example Yamaha method and I decide after the first few lessons what they need help with and assign more music from there.  I also talk to the students about what kinds of music they like to play and try to find music that has cd accompaniment making it fun to play at home and also developing their listening skills.  I want to make music fun so I talk to the students about the kinds of music they listen to, find music that they will enjoy that is on their level, and supplement their methods with other music.  This encourages students to practice because they are learning while having fun.

Teaching Styles: I am very patient with my students.  I stay positive and encourage their improvements.  I review material that they are having trouble with and encourage them to keep trying.  I make sure they are progressing in their book at a pace that works for them so they will continue to learn but not get overwhelmed.  I encourage them to practice because that will help them improve faster and try to find music they will enjoy playing that will make them want to practice.  I come up with new methods to fit with each student whether it is a young child who doesn't read yet that needs new methods to learn their music letters or a special needs student who needs to get up from the piano every five minutes and walk before continuing.  That is the joy and challenge for me with teaching lessons, trying to come up with methods that will work with each individual students.  Often the most challenging students are the most rewarding experiences for me personally.

Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Accordion

Teaching Methods: I do not usually follow any method book as every student is different, has different background, goals and aspirations. I try to mix exercises that I use in my practice, with materials of accomplished pedagogues.

Teaching Styles: I tend to be a teacher on a stricter side as that is how my music teachers were back in Europe. I find this style to be working with my students as they do accomplish their goals and win different competitions. Depending on the age and students goals (professional musician or just playing for fun) I adjust my style accordingly.

Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet

Teaching Methods: In every lesson, I strive to keep the student engaged and enjoying music. My goal is for every one of my students to be as passionate and excited about music as I am! I teach students how to warm up and breath properly and find music that they are passionate about. For beginners in band, I will suggest we use the same book the student is using at his or her school. After the first lesson, I will focus on the student's strengths and areas for improvement. I will hand write etudes and exercises that provide a challenge for the student. For more advanced players, we will discuss what solo repertoire the student has played and what areas of their playing needs improvement. I will create an exercise that prepares them for the difficult sections of the next piece they will learn.

Teaching Styles: I first find out what inspired a student’s decision to study and/or play music. Then, I strive to adapt to my student’s learning style and use their personal interests to bring out the highest potential for learning. I write my own exercises for each student because I believe every student will have different needs that can be addressed with individualized exercises. Additionally, I focus on teaching students how to choose priorities for practice. Learning how to practice efficiently is essential to becoming a successful musician.

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn

Teaching Methods: For beginning students whose primary goal is membership in a school performance ensemble, I will usually choose a beginning band method that give them a good foundation in fundamental playing techniques.  As they gain basic skills at this level, I expand the content of lessons to include easy solo repertoire.  For older and adult beginning students, I usually use instrumental methods more suited for older learners.  In addition, I incorporate easy solo literature for public performance.

Teaching Styles: As long as a student truly wants to learn and excel on their instrument, I believe I can help him or her achieve that goal.  Their goal becomes my goal and it gives me great satisfaction to help them gain the musical and instrumental skills they need to reach their goal, whatever that may be.  I consider myself a patient and nurturing teacher who will try various teaching pedagogies to help a student learn the skills necessary to be successful in their instrumental music education.