Nicholas B
Instruments: Clarinet, Music
Styles: Classical, Pop, Opera, Marching Band
Nicholas B
Instruments: Clarinet, Music
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Opera, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 11-80
MM, New England Conservatory of Music, Clarinet Performance;
BM, Boston University, Clarinet Performance
Celebrity Series of Boston - Concert for One, Artist, September 2019;
Eastern Connecticut Symphony Instrumental Competition, Finalist, March 2018;
Bay Chamber Concerts Young Stars of Maine, Jean and Harvey Picker Prize, April 2015;
Astral Artists’ 2015 National Auditions, Hathor Winds, Semi-Finalist, December 2014;
Boston University Concerto Competition, Grand Prize, February 2014
Hello! I am a professional clarinetist originally from Portland, ME. I specialize in orchestral repertoire, however my career has allowed for solo engagements as well as extensive chamber music across North America and Europe. I currently serve as the Principal Clarinet of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and Phoenix, as well as Second/Bass Clarinet with Boston Lyric Opera. I strive to maintain relevance within my own playing while modeling it after clarinet icons throughout the generations, namely: Thomas Martin, Harold Wright, Daniel Bonade, Stanley Hasty, Larry Combs, and Robert Marcellus.
My teaching experience began as community outreach & engagement with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's "Crescendo" program. I ran group clarinet lessons and performed in Boston Public Schools. I entered a similar relationship with teaching when I relocated to Chicago in 2016 to play with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Upon my return to Boston, I began teaching privately and joined the faculty of the North End Music & Performing Arts Center where I am a Woodwind Teaching Artist for the Eliot Band Program, as well as teach private lessons. When teaching, I devote all of my energy to the student. I cater lessons to the needs of the individual musician (or musicians) involved, and am happy to prepare my students for any recital, competition, or performance opportunity to the absolute best of my ability!
My outlook on musical training begins with an exceptional foundation of fundamental skills. I stress the importance of air and finger efficiency, as well as an excellent ear. Developing those skills early in musical development predisposes a student to succeed. When the student shows a clear understanding of such concepts, focus will be shifted toward broader topics such as alternative practicing techniques, reed working, technical knowledge of the clarinet, and a comprehensive study of the standard repertoire, as a supplement to each student's individually chosen repertoire. Music has proven to be a drive and hunger in my life; it has given me both personal and professional fulfillment. Performing is the reason that I chose to pursue a career in such a challenging field, and I wish to impart both the love of performing and the drive to professionally do so in each and every one of my students!
I strive for clarity, focus, and direction in my teaching without stifling the student's own creativity. My lessons prove to be demanding, but calm and constructive. I ensure that students understand the topics discussed, and do not proceed beyond until they obtain a genuine grasp and internalization. The time for which it takes different students to process a new concept varies greatly. As such, I pace lessons based upon each individual student. Further, I do my best to teach concepts simultaneously, or in conjunction with others. This provides a more solid framework for less concrete ideas, and allows for increased comprehension. The end result tends to be one of which both the student and I are proud.
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