Julie Werth, Clarinet Instructor
About
I love teaching and playing the clarinet! I enjoy all levels - from my advanced students winning contests and getting into youth symphony and honor bands, to the beginners excited about learning their first notes. I also appreciate working with adults re-starting an instrument or tuning up their skills.
I teach traditional classical clarinet lessons...with additional music added in from student requests and assistance playing music from their groups. I emphasize beautiful tone, proficient music reading and expressive playing. I am known as a patient and kind teacher.
Recent accomplishments of my students include: 1. league soloist winner, 2. solo performances at State Solo & Ensemble Festival, 3. up to 10 students in youth symphony in the same year, 4. semi-finalist in a professional concerto contest, 5. winners in school concerto contests, and 6. principal clarinet in multiple youth orchestras and bands, as well as school groups.
I have taught the clarinet for 45 years, starting when I was a high school student. I also taught band for 22 years. I was a graduate teaching fellow at the University of Oregon, teaching clarinet lessons to college music majors. My most recent school teaching experience was teaching a 40 member clarinet class!
I have a B.A. in music performance and music education from UCLA. My M.M. was in clarinet performance, with extra work done in music education, at the University of Oregon. I have held teaching certificates in Washington, Oregon and California.
With your online lessons, you receive free access to perform in two recitals a year and several masterclasses. Join us! You will love it!
See more at my website, https://werth.duetpartner.com/.
I enjoy working with students for years and watching the great growth and progress that they make. Many of my students stay with me from elementary through high school. It's great to get to know them well. I also enjoy introducing students to new things - music literature, experiences, learning about professional players, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At a first lesson, experienced students first play some of their familiar music, so that I can get an understanding of their level, strengths and needs. Then, I ask them to sightread some music. I check their equipment and ask lots of questions. New beginners are taught right from the start - putting together and taking care of their clarinet, music reading, embouchure formation (lips and chin).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master of Music (M.M.) in Clarinet Performance and additional work in Music Education, University of Oregon.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music Education and Performance, UCLA.
I studied with Gary Gray, Hollywood studio clarinetist and UCLA clarinet professor, and Wayne Bennett, University of Oregon clarinet professor. I taught lessons at UO, under the supervision and training from Dr. Bennett.
I also earned teaching certificates in Washington, Oregon and California.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minutes...$37
45 minutes...$54
60 minutes...$64
Weekly lessons are required for elementary through high school students. Scheduling is more flexible for adult students. Students pay once a month.
How did you get started teaching?
My first band director recommended me as a clarinet teacher when I was 16. From there, I became interested in teaching more while at UCLA. While I was a band director, I continued teaching clarinet lessons as much as I could. Now I teach clarinet full-time.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have started more than 1000 beginners in my years of teaching band and clarinet. In the last few years, I had advanced high school players who are the best in their schools. Last year, my top two students won the League Solo & Ensemble Festival - clarinet soloist, played at the State Solo & Ensemble Festival, played principal clarinet in the top youth symphony for three years and won concerto contests. I also have adult students, from a large company's vice president to people isolating during Covid.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In 2019-2020, I taught a class of 40 beginning clarinetists twice a week at our local school. I have taught large bands before but this was the first time I had all clarinetists, which, of course, is my favorite. What a treat that was! The 4th graders were so enthusiastic and determined. They had a great start to their playing career, being trained by a clarinet specialist.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Decide what kind of music you wish to mainly study..classical, jazz, rock. Study with a clarinet specialist, because you won't get sufficient training from a general woodwind teacher or saxophone teacher. Clarinet has challenging demands that require a teacher who is mainly a clarinetist and who can lead you to the ideal embouchure, sound and repertoire.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are they best at in clarinet and music? What skills would they like to improve? What type of music are they interested in? How much are they willing to practice? Will they commit to doing their best and working hard?