Tracy C
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Euphonium, Mallet Percussion
Styles: Classical, Rock, Swing, Marching Band
Tracy C
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Euphonium, Mallet Percussion
Styles:
Classical, Rock, Swing, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
MA, Educational Theory and Practice, Arkansas State University BA, Instrumental and Vocal Music Education, Northwetern College
John Philip Sousa Award, 1988 Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, 1988 Iowa All-State Band, clarinet, 1986 and 1987 Music scholarships, 1988 Numerous Jazz Band trophies as a teacher, 1997-2001
I'm a band director with 25 years of experience who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. Clarinet is my primary instrument, and I feel comfortable teaching all levels of clarinet students. I feel comfortable teaching most other band instruments and piano up to an intermediate level, plus beginning drum set lessons. I earned a bachelor's degree in music education at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA in 1992, and a master's degree in educational theory and practice online through Arkansas State University in 2011.
I began teaching clarinet lessons as a college student in 1990, and got my first job as a band director in 1993. I have not taught lessons in a home studio setting (only at school), but would be able to teach students in my home if desired, or would travel to students' homes or teach online if preferred. I have taught piano, drums, and all band instruments since 1993. Some of my biggest strengths as a private lesson teacher are patience, differentiating instruction to fit the needs of each learner, and finding material that will be both fun and beneficial for students to practice. One thing my students love about me is that I am willing to take the time to write out their favorite pop songs for them to practice.
For brass, woodwind, and percussion students who are in a school band or orchestra, I would use the school's chosen method book in additional to supplemental materials that I would provide, based on the student's interests and needs. For those who are not in band and are just starting, my preferred method for brass and woodwind players is Tradition of Excellence. For intermediate players, I like to use material from the Rubank Intermediate book in addition to more fun material on an individual basis. Additionally, I like students to work on solos with piano accompaniment, although I don't require it. I am also a big fan of using duets to build listening skills and fluidity (and most students think duets are fun!). For piano lessons, I have experience with a variety of methods; each has its strengths and weaknesses. If a student is already using a particular method, we can continue with that if it seems to be working well. Otherwise, I would choose a method based on the student's ability, age, personality, and learning style. For drum set players, I don't really use a method book; I teach various styles/genres and find popular songs that serve as good examples of each style. I teach drum set students to play both by ear and by reading drum set music.
One of my biggest strengths as a music teacher is figuring out students' learning styles and differentiating instruction accordingly. I absolutely do not use a cookie cutter approach. I am very good at personalizing lessons to fit students' interests and needs. I feel it is important to allow each student to learn at his or her own pace. I set goals that will challenge the student, but be easily attainable with regular practice. I do expect regular practice outside of lessons; I do not want lessons to simply be a guided practice session. Ideally, students would fully prepare the assigned material for each lesson-- not that it needs to be perfect, but that I can tell that he or she has been working on it. For students who are clearly putting in a reasonable amount of effort, I reward them by writing out melodies of their favorite pop songs for them to learn to play.
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