Lessons With Clayton
About
Making music is so much fun and joyful, and that's what my teaching focus is. Anyone can play notes on a page whatever the instrument, but are they making music? Learning an instrument takes patience and dedication, so it also helps with life skills. I focus the lessons at the student's pace, so that learning doesn't create pressure or stress. You will learn music theory ( what music is) and we will play duets, so you learn to play with others. Teaching is my passion and my joy. I have been playing over 40 years.
The joy of teaching and helping people achieve their musical goals as well as enjoying many styles of music.
Highlights
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Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start with the basics of the instrument. On guitar, I cover basic finger/hand positions, fingerings, chords/progression, picking, duets and percussive techniques.
With clarinet, sax and voice, I teach how to breathe properly which is the essential key. Tone and pitch follows breathing. I provide a book, so we go through the book.
I go at the student's pace, so there is no pressure. You can't have fun if youre stressed. Music is about joy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a minor in music from the University of Tennessee/Knoxville. I have played in jazz bands, concert/community bands, corporate functions, and I am currently the leader of the Quail Hollow bluegrass band(10 years).
I have sung barbershop for many years, different choirs and singing groups in many genres.
I was the the woodwind coach at East Gaston High School for 2 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30 an hour, and $25 for 45 minutes.
How did you get started teaching?
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages from beginners to advanced
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My bluegrass band played for 3 hours in Dallas for a community event. I currently play clarinet, sax and bass clarinet in worship as the music director at Cooks Memorial Church. I also lead worship on guitar for a prison ministry every month and two youth retreats a year called Chrysalis.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Right now with adults and kids especially not being able to play and get direction from band directors in bands at school, learning to play an instrument correctly requires a teacher. Getting started on the right foot is crucial to your success. I played three years before I took lessons, and I had to relearn everything because I was terrible. I want to save anyone from having to go through what I did.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I want to learn to play or sing?
What do I want to accomplish short and long term with music?
How can music help me in life?
Do I have the patience and desire to invest the time to not only learn music, but achieve and advance whatever my focus is?