Aage Nielsen

From the beginning, the student and I work together to set realistic goals, honoring whatever drew the student to the instrument of choice in the first place. This is important, regardless of age and ability.   

My BA is in bass clarinet/clarinet performance at Northwest Nazarene University, my MA is in interdisciplinary studies (early music and medieval/early modern history) at Boise State University. I have over thirty years of experience as a music entrepreneur in various chamber music and early music ensembles, most notably Darkwood Consort (founded in 1992), the Boise Philharmonic (1988-2011), and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony (1998-2009). I taught woodwinds for many years at both Northwest Nazarene University, the College of Idaho, the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, as well as my own studio.

Tuition is currently $65 per hour.

I went to a music store in Idaho to buy reeds, and when they realized in conversation that I played oboe/English horn, clarinet/bass clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone, I was hired on the spot in 1986, and have been teaching ever since.

I have had students as young as 8, but prefer to start no earlier than 10 years old. Besides middle and high school, I taught at two colleges for many years to both music majors and non-majors. One of my specialties is working with adults. They are every bit as enjoyable as children, whether the student is in the work force, or a retiree. Executives who are willing to be vulnerable and humble themselves by learning something new add greatly to their leadership skills!

One of my students is the head of the company where I work as an editor, and every time he learns a new fingering, improves a passage in a lesson, or discovers a new piece, the gratitude and joy remind me of why I do this.

Don't be afraid! Don't let the fact that I have a couple of degrees, or have a little international experience intimidate you at all. Lots of people do. My advice to you is to communicate. Together, we can make music a wonderful experience in your daily life. Get ready to enjoy the journey.

Think about why you want to play the instrument you do (if you are a beginner), and how you want to articulate that. Be willing to let those feelings grow with you. If you are already an experienced player, share what you would like to do better, and why. If this is a secondary instrument for you, talk to me about how and why you would like to incorporate more than one instrument into your daily life. The right answers to those questions are the honest ones.