Clarinet Lessons in Ruby, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

Although it is my responsibility to teach fundamentals of playing the instrument and reading music correctly, I spend as much time as I can on not becoming enslaved to the printed page. In other words, once a student begins to play at a higher level, I introduce how to express oneself and the music in an aesthetically satisfying manner. Breaking down the barriers caused by musical notation and enabling an individual to express themselves musically and with proper phrasing and sensitivity is my primary goal. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

For my beginner students who are either children or adults, I will typically start your training using the methods Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Klose methods books.Once you have grasped the fundamentals of your instruments and training, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for your first recital performance such as the works of Mozart, Rose, and Benny Goodman etc. However, for the adults or more advanced players, I will try to find out what most interest you and guide my instruction according to your abilities to keep the lessons more engaging and fun. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching is my passion, because it provides the constant challenge of finding ways to unlock a young musician's potential. No two students learn the same way. While I can rely on my "bag" of techniques and methods, I believe each student requires and deserves a unique plan to help them reach their fullest musical potential. Part of what I love about teaching involves the time spent getting to know a student, and working with them to construct a plan that leads to success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My first experience as a teacher came as a sophomore and junior in high school. I was involved with a program where high school students would work with elementary school band students once a week, and help them work on their band program music and develop their musicality. I found the experience to be extremely rewarding, and have maintained that interest in teaching. I spent time in college working as a music theory tutor for beginning music students, and in graduate school worked to develop and implement lesson plans for beginning clarinetists. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More