Karen S
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera, Marching Band
Karen S
Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Master Degree: Eastman School of Music, Bachelor Degree: USC
I got my masters of music and performers certificate from the Eastman school of music. I perform in symphonies and operas all around the Bay Area, including Santa Cruz symphony, symphony San Jose, Oakland east bay symphony, berkeley symphony, Fremont symphony, California chamber orchestra, monterey chamber orchestra, monterey symphony, Vallejo symphony, Marin symphony, Mendocino festival orchestra, west bay opera, west edge opera, festival opera, western opera, Mendocino opera, San Jose ballet, Santa Cruz ballet and others.
My teaching experience goes back to 1985 when I got my Masters of Music in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music. As soon as I got back to California I started teaching privately. I have also been on the faculty of the Notre Dame college in Belmont, Santa Clara University and the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View. I also coach in the middle schools and high schools nearby. The past two years I became skilled at various forms of online teaching as well as teaching in my glass room - which is perfect for Covid times!
My teaching method varies from student to student. I strive to find the best possible approach for teaching each individual. I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials as needed. I also welcome students to bring in and learn music they have heard somewhere else that inspires them. This often requires me to make a simplified version of the individual’s newly chosen piece.
My style of teaching also varies greatly with each individual. Some students have specific music from school or from outside music groups that they want to learn and also need to learn the skills to be able to play that particular music. Other students come with a desire just to improve their current abilities, and we find ways to do that by choosing inspiring music together. Sometimes playing duets is a great way to do that, and when it’s not possible to play together in real time I make recordings that the student can enjoy playing with.
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