My Strategy For You
My Lesson Studio
General Expectations
Resources
My teaching strategy is built on a foundation of structure and clear expectations. As students navigate the path to mastering their instrument, I provide the roadmap and the support they need to succeed. I treat our lessons as a collaborative conference: an informative time to troubleshoot and grow. The true transformation happens between sessions, as students take the techniques we’ve explored and integrate them into their daily practice routine.
Students are expected to maintain a consistent practice schedule to ensure steady musical growth. It is imperative that students engage with new material regularly to prevent regression and reinforce the concepts covered during lessons. Independent review is the most critical factor in retention and long-term progress. My expectations are designed to be clear and concise, rooted in a strong sense of personal student accountability.
Quality materials are vital for instrument care and musical growth. Because requirements are tailored to each student's specific instrument and level, I provide personalized guidance during lessons. This ensures you find the best equipment at an affordable price without the guesswork.
Lessons
Please review lesson formats below.
General Woodwind Lesson - 60 Minute (Virtual Available)
I provide specialized instruction for a full range of woodwinds, including:
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Double Reeds: Oboe, English Horn, and Bassoon
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Clarinets: B-flat, E-flat, and Low Clarinets (Alto, Bass Contra-Alto, & Contrabass Clarinet)
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Saxophones: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone
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Flute
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Recorder
The Lesson Blueprint Every session is structured to maximize progress and ensure the student leaves with a clear path forward:
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Preparation: Unpacking and focused embouchure warm-up.
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Technical Care: Reed adjustment or instrument maintenance and ergonomics.
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Repertoire Analysis: A deep dive into current solo or ensemble works.
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Foundational Technique: Scales and exercises tailored to the student’s level.
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Interpretive Artistry: Developing phrasing, dynamics, and musicality.
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Performance Readiness: Targeted goals for upcoming auditions or concerts.
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Strategic Planning: Recapping the session and setting weekly practice goals.
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Conclusion: Proper equipment care and pack-up.
Oboe/English Horn Lesson - 90 Minute
Successful oboe performance is entirely dependent on the quality and functionality of the reed. To ensure students are never held back by their equipment, a 90-minute session allows us to address both the technical and mechanical requirements of the instrument.
The Session Structure:
30 Minutes | Reed Maintenance: Dedicated time for scraping, adjusting, and learning the craft of reed making. This ensures the student is always equipped with a reliable, responsive reed.
60 Minutes | Comprehensive Instruction
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Preparation: Unpacking and a focused warm-up to prepare for a productive session.
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Equipment Check: Final reed adjustments to ensure optimal response for the day's repertoire.
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Technical Foundation: Scales and exercises customized to meet specific audition and technical requirements.
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Repertoire & Performance: A deep dive into solo and ensemble works, focusing on the nuances of phrasing and artistry.
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Targeted Preparation: Goal-oriented coaching designed to ensure success in upcoming auditions or concerts.
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Recap & Planning: Synthesis of the lesson and the establishment of clear objectives for the week’s practice.
Flex Lesson 60-120 Minute (Virtual Available)
Many of my students—particularly those in middle and high school—are active in multiple ensembles that require varying levels of intensity throughout the year.
The Flex Lesson option allows us to increase our session time during busy seasons, such as audition cycles or major concert preparations. While these lessons are a 60-minute minimum, they can be extended to 90 or 120 minutes when scheduled in advance, providing the deep dive necessary for significant musical challenges.
A typical Flex Lesson includes:
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Unpacking & Warm-up: Preparing the body and mind for the session.
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Reed Maintenance: Essential adjustment and care for optimal response.
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Strategic Repertoire Review: Prioritized focus based on upcoming performances and ensemble timelines.
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Scales & Technique: Customized exercises tailored to specific audition requirements.
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Performance Artistry: Exploring phrasing, dynamics, and musical expression.
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Targeted Audition Prep: Focused goal-setting to ensure a successful performance.
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Review & Learning Goals: Recapping the session to set a clear practice plan.
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Pack-up & Conclusion.
Music Composition - 60 Minute
Composition lessons are designed for students who wish to deepen their creative process, learning how to effectively translate musical thoughts into professional notation. These sessions utilize a comprehensive suite of tools, ranging from traditional pencil-to-paper methods to the latest notation software and digital technologies. Because every creative journey is unique, this lesson format is open-ended and specifically tailored to meet the artistic goals and technical needs of each student.