Aage Nielsen
About
I have been teaching woodwinds for nearly forty years, and have taught between beginners to undergraduate college level. I can help you set and achieve reasonable goals for your commitment level. One of my specialties is working with adults who play for the fun of it. My specialty is bass clarinet, and also teach clarinet, saxophone, and oboe. I completed graduate work with a focus on medieval winds, and therefore encourage students to indulge your musical interests, however specialized they might be.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Tuition is currently $65 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
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.
What types of students have you worked with?
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!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
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.