Ben R
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
Ben R
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
MM, George Mason University, Composition (currently in-progress)
BA, University of Mary Washington, Music
Awards:
2007-2011 - James E. Baker Orchestra Scholarship
2007-2011 - Henry and Grace Spicer Scholarship
Overview:
I am a composer and clarinetist who wants to fill the world with music by composing, performing, and teaching. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2011 with a BA in Music, where I primarily focused on clarinet performance, as well as music theory and composition. I am currently a master's student at George Mason University, and continue to actively play that clarinet. I have performed with numerous groups, including the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Mary Washington Jazz Ensemble, the City of Fairfax Band, and the Mason Modern Music Ensemble (M3E) at George Mason University. In addition to the clarinet, I also perform on the bass clarinet and tenor saxophone.
EXPERIENCE
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. I want to help students improve all aspects of their playing, while still making sure they are having fun!
METHODS USED
For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument.
LESSON STYLE
My approach to teaching is that the student should be having a good time playing. There are so many different pieces of music out there, students can play a great variety of works at all different skill levels, and still be able to develop their intonation, articulation, and fingering accuracy. I will make sure students are working on pieces challenging enough so that they get something out of playing it, but not so challenging they are discouraged. Ultimately, the point of music is to be able to express one's self, and that's what I want my students to be able to do.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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