This website is to inform clients and persons inquiring about my direction and focus as a musician and a woodwind tutor.

I christened my site “Woodwind Instruction From The Ground Up” because many music teachers will not take very young students, but I prefer to start tutoring a student as soon as they can hold a woodwind instrument in their hands because I know that they are a “clean slate”.  I can help them get basic concepts correct right from the start.

I teach woodwinds – Flute/Piccolo,  Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and all the Saxophones (alto, tenor, baritone & soprano).

LESSON FORMAT:

• We work on rhythm. Clicking sticks and subdividing immediately. I call this “good math”.  Rhythm Tools: drumsticks, metronome, drum machine, iRealPro app.
• Naming the notes while correctly fingering them on their instrument. The ABC’s of music.
• Cement the idea that learning the “technical” side of music is NOT rocket science. It’s based on repetition and memorization. Just like sports . . . drill, fix and repeat. Drill, fix and repeat. It’s all mechanics.
• Artistry, articulations, interpretation and dynamics are taught to these padawan learners. They’re never too young to learn these concepts.
• Ear training by memorization of beginning band songs and later through the exercise of jazz transcriptions. I show them how to hear and “find the note(s)”. Singing is a MUST in this arena – sing the note, identify the note, name the note.
• Many other concepts that are my own style and brand of teaching.
• One important factor that I include in the lessons is humor, metaphors and fun!
• Children have young “fresh” brains and soak everything up like little sponges. Young children learn fast with very little complaining thus they learn rippin’ fast!

LOCATION:
Music lessons are taught at my home studio in Westlake Village, CA with digital & video recording capabilities.

EQUIPMENT:
Logic Pro / Universal Audio’s “Apollo Twin” / Avalon 737sp tube amp / Blue Mics / Canon D70 (videos).

FOCUS / AIM / GOALS:

• Scales:  Major, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor and modes based on these scales. Diminish, Bebop, Whole Tone.
• Sight-reading
• Classical/Traditional & Solo Performance Repertoire Etudes
• Learning pre-written Jazz Transcriptions
• Advance Jazz Students:  Writing “Take Downs /Solo Transcriptions”
• Music Theory
• Encouraging the client/student on instrument & equipment upgrades
• Preparation of School Band Performance Pieces (Classical/Big Band)
• Preparation of “solo performance repertoire*” and/or actual performances.
            * A must for many high school entrance auditions.
• Solo Repertoire / Solo Ensemble / College Arts Supplement Videos

AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICES:
Additional Services:  Video/audio recordings for “art supplements” to colleges and universities. Assistance to uploading to college portals and/or YouTube as requested by the admissions information. (For music and non-music majors).
Recording Equipment:  Apple’s Logic Pro Recording software. Apollo Twin Thunderbolt Audio Interface, Blue “Blueberry” Microphone, KRK monitors.
Video:  Canon 70D. Video/Audio Editing: Logic Pro/Final Cut Pro

STYLES  / GENRES OF MUSIC:
Classical/Traditional, Jazz, Jazz Impro, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATION:
For over twenty years, I have been teaching students who live and/or attend schools in the Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and Topanga Canyon areas. Previously in the Glendale and Culver City area.

** My student’s success are the evidence of my teaching skills. Please visit my “student brag page“.

Contact:  info@cwrmusic.com