Clarinet Lessons in NYC New York

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Accordion

My approach varied from student to student. I decide about it after the first lesson where I can determine what kind of steps will take. I have my own music books with songs and exercises that I have developed over last twenty years of teaching I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

Finally, student interests are very important to me. If a student has a strong desire to learn a song or study a topic, it would be wrong for me to deny them this opportunity. The only exception would be if a student wanted to learn something that was seriously out of their current level. In that case I would find a simpler version for the student, or I would scaffold other songs or exercises to build the necessary skills that are needed to reach that goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I love to see students grasp concepts.  It is extremely rewarding to see students understand a concept and be able to explain how neat it is to a parent or friend.  When I get a new student, I get to know exactly what their goals are.  We set long term goals, and we make progress by setting manageable short term goals every week.  I inspire the student to reach their goals by providing tools to help, and custom lesson plans that are fun and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I use what some have called the target approach. With this method you are working on one concept at a time, and you should always have one concept in mind while you practice. Some examples of beginning concepts are 1) keeping a steady beat, 2) sound quality, or 3) smooth finger technique. In one practice session using the target approach you may spend 10 minutes on target 1) and 15 minutes on target 2). What is important, however, is that you continue to work on a target every day until you find yourself performing that single concept flawlessly and effortlessly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

At this point, I encourage the student to bring in any of their favorite songs that they (or their parents) would like for them to play and I custom create an arrangement that is suitable for their abilities. This method allows the student to not only understand the names of the notes and develop proper technique, but it also gives the student a tremendous confidence boost and allows them to have fun making music! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching emphasizes development of the most important fundamentals of woodwind technique. Using a wide variety of repertoire and exercises, I focus on developing a solid foundation for tone production/intonation, articulation, and digital dexterity. At the same time, I encourage students to explore repertoire and style, both for listening and for performing, to help them find the music they really love. Methods books I use to help develop technique include: Rubank for all woodwinds Deville for saxophone Klose for clarinet Moise for flute Charlie Parker Omnibook for jazz studies Repertoire for performance can include anything the student requests, as well as basic material in a variety of western and eastern styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

I begin my teaching by gauging the student's current ability; once it has been recognised, I then inquire about what it is the student wishes to accomplish under my tutelage. I weed out any early misgivings by trying to get the student to settle for realistic goals. Aiming too high can often overwhelm individuals, and it is a mistake I like to avoid in my teaching, especially in a field as emotionally demanding as music. Read More