Clarinet Lessons in Los Angeles, CA

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes! I've had a number of students awards and honors. Those include: San Diego Honor Band, New Mexico All State, New Mexico All State Jazz, and received top marks for the Associated British Royal Schools of Music

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
One of the most challenging things to master on saxophone (and many instruments) is consistent control and and sound quality throughout the range of the horn. Every note has a slightly different character, and I believe the difference between a student and a master is the ability to hear those differences and start to create more cohesive and unified sound, no matter where you are on the instrument.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Really important question. If anyone over the age of 8 states, "I want to learn the _____," then they're ready. Some teachers are willing to start younger. I've found that I'm a more effective teacher for students that are 8 or older

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, I can trace my musicality through my family. My mom was an avid amateur musician, and her mother (my grandmother) was actually a song writer who wrote under the pen name Edith Fields!

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Great question! I actually am engaged in several activities outside of music: I train and perform partner acrobatics and other circus arts, and am an Executive Assistant for business professionals.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
It depends on the student. As a foundation, I like to use the "Rubank Method" and the "Standard of Excellence" books. After we get through those, I start to introduce standard pieces within the classical repertoire, or, if the student has a specific interest, start to work on other styles of music (Jazz, Funk, etc).

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session generally looks like scale practice, range exploration, crack downs (an exercise I got from a past teacher that I LOVE), altissimo practice, classical practice, improvisation, and sometimes tune learning, depending on what's coming up

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Do a little bit everyday. Music is a language, and the more regular exposure you have to creating it, the better. A 15-30 minute session every day is FAR more valuable than an hour+ session once a week. When you practice anything, you create pathways in your mind. The more you practice, the more efficient these pathways become. After six month of regular practice, that pathway might look like a well manicured forest trail. After six year, you might have something like a two or four lane roadway (or bigger if you practice everyday!). After 15+ years of REGULAR practice, you can bet there are some super highways related to music making and expression that have developed. Do a little bit everyday.

When will I start to see results?
I believe that teachers are guides; it is our job to continuously point the way and correct the students course, much like a sailor corrects the course of their ship. If a student incorporates my guidance and practices daily, then they will see results within 48 hours of our first lesson. If my suggestions and guidance are not heeded, progress will be MUCH slower. The number one thing is daily practice. Music is a language, and one needs constant exposure to see any improvement. This includes both music making and listening. Practice, practice, practice!

Read More