David K
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
David K
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
BA Western Washington University, Music/Economics
2013, 2014 - Don and Ada Walter Memorial Award
2014 - Aftermath Club Merit Scholarship
2011, 2012 - SJMEA Regional Solo Contest Winner
2012 - Principle Clarinet, All State Chamber Orchestra, Benaroya Hall
2010 - National Honor Band, 1st Clarinet, Kennedy Cnter for the Performing Arts
I've studied music my whole life, but I never thought I'd be a professional musician. Music had always been the medicine that made the stress, boredom, and uncertainty of life bearable. Whether you are interested in becoming great or just having fun, I want to help you achieve your goals. Afer earning my degree at age 19, having performed in the finest concert halls from Washington to Washington D.C. I hoped to have an ordinary career while continuing my music. Then a tragedy struck that would change my life. My first clarinet teacher became ill and asked me to take over his music studio. It was then that I discovered the passion I'd been seeking my whole life. I've been operating my private studio since 2014. Every student I teach gives me an amazing gift, and I've been working with every ounce of my being to earn those gifts and give my own. I've seen the profound impact music can have firsthand, and I want to share it with you.
I started working as a professional tutor in 2009, teaching subjects from music to chess and economics. My transition from general tutor to full-time music teacher happened in 2014, and every day I'm reminded how wonderful that decision was. I believe success in music comes from passion, performance, and consistency. My method focuses on beginning slowly, mastering a piece of music before building speed and expression. I also encourage my students to try new styles, groups, and performance oppurtunities according to their individual goals. I also teach my students a broad understanding of music, which helps create lasting interest and a deeper understanding of the music they create. I accept students of all skill levels and backgrounds. I enjoy the challenge and meeting and exceeding my students expectations, and moreso helping students exceed their expectations of themselves.
The most painful part of learning a new instrument is the constant failure, screeching, and subpar performance most new musicians experience. My teaching method skips that by teaching students the fundamentals of good tone quality before technical studies. My first lessons focus on breathing, relaxation, posture, and embouchure. Within the first four lessons, most students are able to play beautifully in the low range of their instrument, and can then begin to study more technically-challenging music. I also encourage students to play the music they enjoy listening to, and integrate such songs into our lessons.
Rather than the trial and error approach most new musicians go through to find mastery, I teach my students proper technique before diving into songs. This way, students experience fewer setbacks and gain confidence quickly. With experienced students, I focus more on playing with emotion and musicianship, starting with musical elements like dynamics, articulation, and air support. I also encourage practicing slowly with a metronome, allowing the body to learn music without the stress of failure. Only after muscle memory has been built slowly does the student begin to build speed and technical mastery. This method skips the frustration of learning new music, and helps promote discipline and patience in younger players.
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