CLARINET LESSONS

Offering in person clarinet lessons in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and Atherton. Skype lessons available as well.

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The first stage of development is always a strong technique, built from traditional classical clarinet repertoire, and a refined beautiful sound on the instrument.  If a student wishes to audition for local and state level Honor Bands, or regional youth orchestras, I equip them with the tools to do that by developing a solid classical background.

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I try to at the minimum to introduce interested students to the many fabulous clarinetists I am aware of through the discovery of the joys of listening.  Recordings form the basis of a great deal of aural learning and I have a vast library of recordings that I use in the lessons on a weekly basis.  Generally, my proprietary methods supplement the classical clarinet warhorse repertoire, complementing them and bringing a practical professional musician’s experience to the lessons. I have written original etudes and scale studies, and I have hundreds of jazz transcriptions in PDF form available.  I encourage my students to play along with the original recordings to glean the stylistic nuances that can’t be notated when applicable.

By learning from the traditions that have come before we us we can then begin to develop our own style. Having an understanding of the history of our instrument is the key component to finding a new direction, which is ultimately what I believe the pursuit of music is about.

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I have the experience to help you find your voice and to play what you feel. It does take time and patience; I can help guide you to that jumping off point where you can begin to create your own musical personality and find satisfaction in playing something truly unique and new.

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Students of any age and any skill level are accepted.

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Play on and always strive for tone!!