2001-2002 - Principal Clarinet in Minnesota All-State High School Band
2000-2002 - Principal Clarinet in high school Honors Band and Symphony Orchestra
1998-2002 - Multiple "1" ratings in annual Solo/Ensemble competitions
Overview:
I have been playing piano since age 6 and clarinet since age 10. During my time at university I was taught to play all of the woodwinds, focused on pedagogy and music technology, and achieved many awards and recognition. My clarinet/woodwind pedagogy instructor was a student of Himie Voxman, author of many woodwind teaching method books. My university band was, at that time, considered one of the best in the state of SC, and was invited to play at the state music educators' convention in 2003. In high school I had the great privilege of being selected as the Principal clarinetist in the Minnesota All-State Band. We performed at the summer camp designed for these groups and recreated our performance at Orchestra Hall, home of the Minnesota Orchestra, the following spring. Clarinet is my primary instrument and first love. I also teach saxophone and beginning flute and hope to add other woodwinds in the future. Piano has always been an important influence in my musical performances and I believe it is a gateway to interest in other instruments, so I truly enjoy teaching it!
EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching since age 15 (1999). In addition to extensive performing experience on clarinet, I have functioned as a piano accompanist, choir member, and praise band member through the years. As noted above, I teach clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piano. My methods vary according to each individual students' needs and goals, however I try to find the approach that will best help a student to appreciate music in general, sharpen the mind, and give each student a level of skill on their instrument that provides a sense of accomplishment. I keep it interesting and while certain elements tend to crop up in most lessons, sometimes I go into uncharted territory and incorporate something completely new and unexpected. This opens peoples' minds to the possibilities available to them, especially kids! I am always reading books on the subjects of music and teaching (often both), so I am constantly developing my teaching skill as my students develop their instrumental skills.
METHODS USED
Clarinet: Any beginning band method book, Baermann, Klose, Voxman. At advanced levels I will use appropriate repertoire and advanced method books tailored to the student. Saxophone/flute: Any beginning band method book or standard beginning to intermediate woodwind book. Appropriate repertoire. Piano: I use most beginning methods, including Alfred, Bastien, Piano Adventures (Faber), and other standard piano methods. I use those appropriate to age, goals, and learning style (for instance, chord methods are sometimes better for adults). I eventually bring students to a point of learning from repertoire appropriate to their level.
LESSON STYLE
I teach music, not just instruments. I try to develop a broad appreciation for music that will stay with my students wherever they go in life. I take an individualized approach based on learning styles and strengths. I believe in positive reinforcement, especially with younger students! I also take into account preferences for music styles and attempt to use repertoire that not only broadens their experience, but keeps students focused and interested.
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