About
I play several instruments and enjoy them all, but at heart, I’m a clarinet player. At age 18, eight years after first picking up the clarinet, I debuted as concerto soloist with the San Francisco Symphony. My love of saxophone is only slightly less. At 12 years old, I started playing the saxophone and four years later I performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival. I play professionally in various settings, often playing the flute along side saxophone and clarinet in pit orchestras. The recorder is also a beautiful instrument, albeit underappreciated. I continue to be intrigued by the haunting beauty of Renaissance and Baroque music, heyday of the recorder. I strive to make this beautiful instrument come alive for students’ young and old alike.
Students enjoy my diverse and broad understanding of music, and how much I know just off the top of my head. Working with me, they gain a solid knowledge of the instrument they are trying to learn. It’s not just about playing songs - it’s the technique and practice regimen that builds competence. Because I play several wind instruments, I’m able to cross-pollinate techniques to help students develop their skills. I have taught the majority of clarinetists of the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra for many years.
I enjoy teaching all age levels and abilities. I can go from teaching “Hot Cross Buns” to a beginner to helping a student prepare for a major audition. Many of my students have received numerous accolades. I have placed students in the youth orchestras of San Francisco, Marin, Oakland and Berkeley. I have also placed students in the California All-State Honor Band, San Francisco Conservatory, Stanford Jazz Camp, California Jazz Conservatory, Cazadero Music Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy, among others.
My approach to teaching is to rely on insights and materials that I’ve developed over many years performing and teaching. I like to make things fun, but also strive to inspire and motivate my students to excel. I use demonstration to help students understand concepts and I encourage them to participate in ensembles to broaden their perspective and grow, plus it gives them something to practice for! I really enjoy starting students at the very beginning level and watching them grow. By starting them off correctly, I don’t have to fuss with undoing bad technique. Proper technique starts on day one. It can be done in a fun manner, but it needs to be done.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start out by having a new student play something for me. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. I emphasize that I don’t know them and need to hear where they’re at. If they don’t have any music, I have plenty of blank music paper and other materials at my disposal. I stress learning proper fingerings and techniques, even for an elementary tune. I’m not strict about it at the beginning, however. I always make things fun.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor’s degree in music performance (clarinet and saxophone emphasis) from the University of North Texas. I have been teaching private music lessons for over 45 years and have my method of teaching codified. I am a professional performer and bring that sensibility to the lesson. I don’t just talk. I back up my words and concepts with live musical performance directly in front of the student. Being able to play well and demonstrate concepts is very important.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge the same fees for everyone. Ability level doesn’t affect the price.
30 minutes: $40.00
45 minutes: $60.00
60 minutes: $80.00
How did you get started teaching?
I taught my first private student, when I was in the 8th grade. I had 15 students by the time I was a senior in high school. It continued and grew from there. I have been teaching private woodwind lessons for over 45 years. Performing and teaching are one and the same. Teaching helps the student grow, but it also helps the teacher grow. Ideas should be shared – not squandered. I have gained much wisdom and understanding over the years.
What types of students have you worked with?
My private studio has always had a wide array of students. Typically, it ranges from ages 5 – 80. Currently, my youngest student is 8 years old and my oldest student is 79 years old. I teach recorder, flute, clarinet and saxophone. All styles. All levels. I have had many serious students win major competitions and auditions. I have consistently placed students in well-respected ensembles across the SF Bay Area and in the California All-State Honor Band. I have also put smiles on many young students' faces when they play “Jingle Bells” or “Happy Birthday” for the first time. I love all of it. I understand all of it. I encourage all of it.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had an 8th grade clarinet student attain the Principal Clarinet chair in the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra and perform Stravinsky’s “The Firebird”, an extremely difficult composition. I started this student off from the very beginning only four years earlier. I was very proud.
Another recent event was encouraging a 79-year old gentleman to play the tenor saxophone and the familiar jazz standards that he loves so much. He was often down on himself, and I encouraged him to just relax and enjoy it. That took much effort, but my mission was finally accomplished. Joy is not always about perfection.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It’s important to find a teacher-student relationship that works for both individuals. I also think it’s important to find a teacher who can actually play the instrument that they are teaching. Demonstration is much better than just sitting there uttering commands. A student shouldn’t be shy or ashamed about their playing. The secret of efficient teaching is to find out what “step” the student is on and take them to the next one.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Every question is important. None are trivial. The beauty of a private teacher is that it’s just the student and the teacher. The pace is determined by the student but guided by the teacher. Many important teaching concepts can be taught in many different ways. There isn’t just “one way” to get the job done.