Christy M
Instruments: Clarinet
Styles: Classical
Christy M
Instruments: Clarinet
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
MM, UC Santa Barbara, Clarinet Performance MA, UC Santa Barbara, Musicology BA, Temple University, Clarinet Performance
I began playing the clarinet in 5th grade and immediately fell in love with the instrument. After playing throughout middle and high school, I went on to earn my Bachelor’s of Music degree in clarinet performance from Temple University, followed by a Master of Music in clarinet performance and a Master of Arts in musicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I had the pleasure and good fortune to study with noted clarinetists and instructors Anthony Gigliotti, Ronald Reuben, and Rosario Mazzeo, from whom I learned not only the intricacies and complexities of my instrument, but also how to be an effective and compassionate teacher. She have extensive performance experience, as well as teaching, having played in orchestras, wind ensembles, and chamber ensembles. In addition to music, I am a librarian at the San Diego Public Library, where I specializes in music reference. I also love animals, weird pop culture, and mossy trees.
My teaching experience is varied, as I started as a music theory teacher in a piano studio, from 1995 to 2001. I taught theory to small groups of students, ages 3 to adult. I began teaching private clarinet lessons in earnest in 2005, working out of a music store in La Mesa; I taught there until 2011. During this time, I also taught band for a small private company in San Diego from 2006-2007. I took a break from music for a while, after a repetitive strain injury, and began my library career. I’m now happily back to teaching, and sharing my love of music with anyone who wants to learn.
My methods vary depending on the student’s playing level and his or her goals in taking lessons. For example, for school-age students wanting to play through high school and beyond. For beginners, I being with a method book appropriate for the student’s age, taking care to work at each individual’s pace and with his or her learning style. I introduce the standards of the clarinet repertoire, and ensure that he or she is prepared for any upcoming performances and/or auditions. I also provide context for what we’re working on, and why, touching on the theory behind the work and where it fits i history.
My teaching style is warm, open, and adaptable, getting to know my students as an individuals to help them learn in the ways best for them. I believe in considering a student’s goals in developing my approach, so if someone wants to learn jazz, or loves a particular pop song, that is where we’ll start. My hope is to keep students inspired and interested, and the best way is to align with their existing interests, and show how new concepts can fit in with those interests. It doesn’t hurt to make things as much fun as possible, and I do my best to do that, too, by celebrating each success, and making sure there’s plenty of laughter along the way.
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