Carmen B
5.0
(37)
Instruments: Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Opera, Latin, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Carmen B
5.0
(37)
Instruments: Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Opera, Latin, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-75
2023 - International Clarinet Association – Featured Artist
2023 - Academia Iberoamericana do Clarinete – Featured Artist
2008 - 57 ARD Music Competition Munich – Qualified Contestant 2nd round
2006 - 2020 Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
As a Venezuelan clarinetist I have had the elite opportunity to have been instructed under the guidelines of the world-renowned music program EL SISTEMA. Through this experience I developed the necessary skills for optimum performance in orchestra, chamber music, solo performance and teaching. As a clarinet teacher I played various roles for more than fifteen years. I am a passionate teacher who is skilled in communicating respectful and encouraging feedback to students. My motivation, drive, knowledge and experience provide a strong foundation for success. My experience includes working with young players from the basic to advanced skill levels, encompassing a high sense of social work and cultural integration.
I am a former member of Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and teacher within the National System of Orchestras and Youth and Children’s Choirs of Venezuela (El Sistema) for more than 15 years. Recently, I was the Teaching Assistant of the clarinet studio at the University of South Carolina School of Music (2021-2023). I consider the teaching experience should be a learning process on how to teach yourself and others. In my teaching approach, discipline, perseverance, respect, and confidence are some of the most important values.
I love to encourage my students to develop their teaching, technical and artistic abilities. For instance, the first class helps me to analyze and have an approach to the students playing. Then, I ask about his interests or concerns regarding technique, musicianship or repertory. All this allows me to make suggestions that help create a program based on the student's needs. I usually include mechanism and melodic etudes, also a solo piece and a sonata or concerto (one movement or the entire piece if the student wishes to work it all). Finally, I could also suggest some orchestral excerpts to focus on those technical/musical aspects the student needs to reinforce.
In my teaching approach, communication, respect, discipline, and perseverance are some of the most important values. I always ask students about having a purpose and being confident to ask and discuss about it: what do they want to accomplish in a short, medium and long-term. I have taught in all levels from beginner to graduate, including amateur players. Which means my teaching style is flexible, the students participate in their program design. Currently, I teach both in-person and virtual lessons.
Juan C. Gonzalez
I've had the pleasure and honor of closely working with Dr. B. Not only is she perhaps one of the finest Latin American female clarinetists but also a magnificent human being. I recommend her 100%. She is totally worth it.
Claire D.
Carmen is a fantastic teacher who is very student-focused in her lessons. She suggests great practice techniques that help students improve their playing quickly and efficiently. It is clear that she cares a lot for her profession and for each of her students. It has been a privilege to learn from her.
Adlemi Zambrano
Carmen B. is one of the greatest clarinet players of Venezuela, she have taught different generations of good musicians, Fortunately ; I have been one of those, her willingness to teach have no boundaries, she helped me to get into the New England Conservatory with online lessons, her work ethic and experience are amazing, she help you and show you how to get into a new level with every single class.
Kevin Marquez Salcedo
She's an amazing teacher, what I liked the most was that it doesn't matter what level you are in, she will definitely help you achieve your goal. I went seven years without playing my clarinet, but once I started studying with her she helped me get back to my level so that I could start playing like no time had passed at my university! Thank you so much Mrs. B! I definitely recommended her.
Robert Tycko
Carmen is a fantastic clarinetist and a thoughtful teacher. Within the first half-hour, she identified technical aspects of my playing that needed work, explained clearly what I should do, and suggested exercises and methods that are keeping me busy. My interactions with Carmen have been enjoyable, illuminating, and entirely positive. My playing has definitely improved as a result of these interactions.
Amy Lamparter
Hello! My name is Amy Lamparter and I am a sophomore music education major at the University of South Carolina. I took lessons with Carmen my freshman year and I think that she is a wonderful teacher. She helped me improve greatly on my technique and skill, especially moving up and down the instrument. I am very appreciative of her teaching because she pays close attention to all details of playing the clarinet. I definitely recommend her as a teacher!
John
I’ve worked with Carmen for a few summers, and she’s an incredible teacher! I highly recommend!
Efraim Martinez
It is a pleasure for me to recommend Professor Carmen B. She has been a fundamental figure in my training as a clarinetist at the Simon Bolivar Higher Conservatory of Music in Venezuela. Her extensive musical career and international recognition distinguish her as an exceptional teacher. Carmen is not only a talented teacher, but also a charismatic and decisive person with an inspiring vision of the future. As a teacher, she has the unique ability to adapt to the individual needs of each student and bring out the best in each of us. Her commitment to our musical growth is evident in every class. I sincerely thank her for her dedication and for being such a positive influence on my development as a musician and as a person. Without a doubt, her guidance and teachings will continue to be a beacon on my musical path as I continue my training in the world of the clarinet.
Alejandra Vega Roque
I had the opportunity of taking a couple of lessons with Dr. Carmen B during my first year of my Masters Degree in South Carolina. She helped me identify a lot of things that improved my playing (from technique to how to approach certain musical pieces and excerpts). I highly recommend her.
Eduardo Seabra
Carmen is a very thoughtful teacher and having a lesson with her was very enriching for me. She helped me with a lot of aspects of my playing such as air column, embouchure and musicality. It was a very pleasant and positive experience for me that definitely improved my clarinet playing. I highly recommend professor Carmen!
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