Guitar Lessons in Virginia Beach, VA

Instruments: Clarinet

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I highly advice practicing quality over quantity. One can practice a phrase 20 times but if he or she does not understand how the phrase is contrived, he or she will not conceptualize it. Practice slow, and have a process to learn the piece of music (example: look at the key signature, what time is it in, what accidentals outside the key are present, chunk out each section). If you miss a note, stop and go back. It is so easy to let mistakes slide. this is specific for intonation but sing the phrase of music and then play the piece.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If the child displays a natural talent for music, it is important to act upon that, even if it is learning general music, which can later translate to an instrument. For example, I teach Clarinet beginning at the age of 10-11 years old. If my student is only 8 but can hold, and play the Clarinet, I will start at that age. It is also noteworthy to say one shouldn't start a student with an instrument too young because his/her lungs and mechanical movement are not developed enough and can cause permanent damage later in life.

When will I start to see results?
Results are gradual, meaning they do not happen overnight. Progress and improvement occurs through a consistent practice schedule, qualitative practicing and a deep desire to learn. If a student is struggling through a passage of music or something fundamentally based, that means he or she is learning to break a bad habit or learning the piece of music. It is important to set up a positive and encouraging environment where success can happen. If need be, one should track a student's progress and in turn be able to see the results of hard work.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, I did. When I was in Band my freshman year in high school, I was in the top wind ensemble, but the only freshman Clarinetist. Once I saw how this band performed and my band director conduct, it lit a fire in myself that ultimately inspired me to pursue music. From there, I began taking private lessons and honestly enjoyed them, along with playing Clarinet solos. I thought it was really neat to watch my band director conduct and teach myself all about music which later inspired me to pursue my bachelors and later my master's in music.

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