Welcome to my clarinet lessons page. I have been teaching
now for some 20 plus years and am still getting just as much fun and enjoyment out of it as I
ever have so I hope I can pass at least some of that enthusiasm on to you.
I hope to help
you on
your way to learning a new instrument or progressing further on an instrument that you already
play whatever your age or experience.
I studied at the London College of Music gaining an Associate and a Licentiate Teaching Diploma. Amongst other things I performed in the LCM Big Band as 2nd Alto Saxophone in my first year and as Lead Alto Saxophone in my 2nd and 3rd years there.
Adults and children large enough should start on a Bb clarinet. This is the standard size instrument. Most solo music is written for this instrument and it is the instrument you need if you intend performing with wind bands or orchestras or if you intend taking exams. Most musical instrument shops will sell Bb clarinets. There are many models but some of the best to begin on are the Yamaha YCL 255 and the Buffet B12. There are cheaper models but beware! Speak to me first before purchasing.
Do you have a child that is too small for a standard
clarinet?
Don't despair, there is the Nuvo Clarineo.
It is smaller and much
lighter than the standard clarinet, also much cheaper and it is possible to take up to grade 3
on this instrument.
I aim to get you playing something in your first clarinet lesson. Other basics you will also learn are:
How to handle your instrument so as not to damage it as well as how to put the instrument together in order to make it as easy as possible to play and comfortable to play. I also teach you how to care for, prepare and fit a reed.
Students are soon playing along to backing tracks and
playing duets along with me, probably even in your first lesson. As you learn each new note you
will learn how to read it on
the music - playing the instrument and reading music go hand in hand.
You will learn tunes
in classical,
popular and jazzy style; some students also chose to learn the art of improvisation.
Exams in all the major exam boards can be taken - check out our exam page.
Some younger students find this gives their practice a sense of purpose and an added drive. Others just like to measure their progress while some find the simple joy of playing an instrument enough. Many children and adults that I teach go on to join wind bands and orchestras; some have continued their musical studies at college or university.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Keith