Clarinet Lessons in Mentor, OH

Instruments: Clarinet

During my experience teaching clarinet to students representing a wide spectrum of abilities, either at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Interlochen Arts Academy, or Cleveland School of the Arts, I have always strived to elicit a strong work ethic and joy for the process of music-making. Having been exposed to various methods of teaching the clarinet, it surely helped me throughout the years; having students from all over the World brought even greater spectrum to the approach that I have already been taking. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

To me, it is most important that a student feels successful in what they have accomplished each lesson. Every student progresses at their own rate and it's important to give students attainable short-term goals in the service of long-term achievements. It is also important to know what drives each student and understand why they want to take private lessons. This will give the student a degree of inspiration which us as teachers can use to help them stay focused and interested in continuing with their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon

I began teaching privately as a high school student, working with begnning students at the middle school. I have taught privately in my home and in students' homes since graduating from college. Regular practice is very important and something I emphasize with my students. I like to include a mixture of classical and modern music in my lessons, so that students enjoy what they are learning and playing. If a student does not enjoy their time playing their instrument, they will not want to put the practice in and lessons will become a point of argument.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style of lesson is like water.. No two students are alike. I must first test a beginner to see if they're tone deaf.. An advanced student is tested for any limitations or handicaps. Any good coach would study the student for any weakness, and formulate a viable plan to bridge the gap again to take them further faster.. Example: I have an 11 year old student that reads the pink panther very well, but has no clue what key he's in, or how to transpose etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner saxophone and clarinet players I tend to use the first book in the series from Standard of Excellence. After those first two books I move them into the Rubank Intermediate Series of books. For saxophonist, and even some clarinetist that would like to learn some jazz I use the Lennie Niehaus Jazz Conception Series. I always try to find what the student would like to learn to play and then guide my teaching from that point. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I focus beginning students the value of good air support and aim to get them the best tone possible. From there, I get them playing songs that they recognize, teaching both by ear and with a method book. I believe it is important for students to be exposed to quality musicianship as often as possible, so I play for them regularly and have them try to copy my phrasing and sound. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I teach a combination of Rote and verbal, conveying my ideas while playing as an example. I realized my passion for music when I was teaching forty clarinetists during a band camp. They caught on to my personality and knew I wanted the best for them. This ultimately drove them to be better musicians. In a perfect world, I would rather teach the rest of my life without being paid and be able to support myself but unfortunately that is not how the world works. Read More