Offers online services
About
I am a professional musician and have been teaching for about fifty years. I know exactly what you will need to become a player.
Highlights
Serves Charlotte , NC
Offers online services
Specialties
Students age
Younger than 6 years old, 6 - 9 years old, 10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older
Student experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 - 2 yrs of formal training, 2 - 4 yrs of formal training, 4+ yrs of formal training
Able to read music
Student can read music, Student cannot read music
Musical styles
I can recommend a genre, Blues, Classical, Jazz
Student has instrument
Students who have an instrument, Students who plan to buy an instrument, but don't have one yet
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Photos and videos
Reviews
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MT
Merilyn T.
Mr. Ruth has been the best saxophone teacher that Ive had. He is dedicated and sincere and really tries his best to teach the most and relatable information to his students. Ive learned so much from him since I have started taking lessons, and in the long run it has helped me in the multiple auditions and school performances that I partake in. His advice and his teaching is one that I always look forward to and something I will keep lifelong. Repetition and practice are key and he really helps understand the importance of it as a musician and performer.
June 14, 2021
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Ethan W.
I like working with Mr. Ruth because he teaches me techniques of the clarinet that I can apply when I play music. He is also very patient and helped me learn so much.
November 01, 2020
MW
Michael W.
I think Mr. Ruth is a great music teacher. He helps me get better at the clarinet. He has also taught me how to play the bass clarinet. Mr. Ruth is a wonderful teacher.
November 01, 2020
JT
James T.
Mr. Ruth is an excellent teacher, as a Clarinet player, he provides many skills that can be applied towards whatever you are trying to learn. These may consist of articulation, fingering, tone quality, etc. He can help you with solos and pieces by not only teaching you how to play it but also how to play musically. His personality is amazing, he is a kind, funny, and friendly person. I highly recommend taking lessons from him.
October 30, 2020
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Marcella G.
My daughter started taking lessons from Jim Ruth in 2012. She continued to take lessons until she graduated from high school. Now my son takes lessons.
Mr. Ruth was first recommended by my daughter’s middle school band director for clarinet lessons. The parents and students raved about him. He is great and fun to play music with. You will really like him. We signed up!
My daughter progressed substantially. She consistently made All District and All State throughout middle and high school. She progressed to principal chair in both her middle and high school wind ensembles and clarinet soloist for both the marching band and wind ensemble. She is now a chemical engineering student at NC State and continues to play for the NC State Wind Ensemble. She loves music. She said she will always find a way to play even if she puts together a group herself.
Mr. Ruth taught her not just the technical aspect of playing but the joy of playing. The lessons were fun. Jim played along with her. The music became more difficult and my daughter became more seasoned as the years progressed. I think what encouraged her to continue to play and to play so well is that Mr. Ruth enjoyed music so much himself it came out in his lessons and his playing. It was catching!
The pandemic has moved classes to virtual for my son. Every Wednesday at 5 pm my son has his lesson from our living room. We hear Mr. Ruth start with his cheery hello and how are you today. It has cheered him up so much. They practice scales and then play some music. He plays with him and has him listen to him play to make sure he understands how he should sound. It has been a smooth transition from in person to virtual. My son will provide Mr. Ruth music he needs help with and he incorporates this into the day’s lesson.
Mr. Ruth is an excellent clarinet player as well as a teacher. He really cares for his students and supports them. Our family highly recommends him. Hope you will sign up for lessons here soon.
October 27, 2020
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Andrew K.
I have been taught by Mr. Ruth for over four years and He has helped me improve my tone, articulation, fluidity. Every year since the 7th grade he kept pushing me to get better to get into the All-District Band. From his teachings and lots of practice, I have been selected into this band for all four of the years that I have tried out. In all, he is a really great teacher and a great person in general.
October 21, 2020
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a professional musician since I was fifteen years old. I've played first clarinet in a military band, symphonies, jazz bands of every size, tv shows, radio shows, commercials, with famous people in concert halls and night clubs, pit bands for musical shows and everything else in between. This is the short version.
I've been teaching about fifty years. Private lessons in my home and for some music stores. I helped several music teachers in schools. Most of my students are the best players in the band. One of my students is the principle clarinet in the Charlotte symphony. This is the short version.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with every kind of student you can think of. As young as four, as old as eighty.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who has many years of professional experience. That way he or she will know better what you are going to need. I am that person.
Services offered
Flute
Clarinet