Clarinet Lessons in Rootstown, OH

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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo

I love teaching beginning and intermediate students in piano and woodwinds. I graduated early from Hiram College in 1993 with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. I have been proudly teaching general and instrumental music in the Cleveland Public Schools for the last twenty-three years. I perform weekly as my church's organist and keyboardist for the Praise and Worship Team. I am currently attending Cleveland State to finish my Master's Degree in Instrumental Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

As a clarinet instructor, I always strive for bringing a wide variety of different artistic, technical and clarinet related aspects into my teachings. I find it crucial to be able to identify a certain students strengths or weaknesses. When us, teachers, do that, we are not only helping an individual student, we also expand our capacity as artists; we learn new ways to fix certain problems in ones playing. I believe that by staying open-minded with the ways we approach our teaching styles, we constantly learn how to become better, more flexible and always innovative when passing our knowledge to the students. 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: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I typically teach the book that they use in band class. If they/the parents would prefer a specific book or are not in band, I typically use Standard of Excellence, the red book and then progress to the blue book. Once the student understands the fundamentals and has progressed, I then begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance.  For adults, I learn of what the student is interested in and then I guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter the ability. 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: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More