Are you ready to start investing in your musical education? Take some time to browse some frequently asked questions and see if lessons are right for you.
I teach clarinet, saxophone and flute. If you’re not sure which one you’d like to start with let’s schedule a trial lesson and you can try them out.
Nope! If you don’t know how to read music that’s ok I can teach you. It’s the building block of learning to make music so that’s the first thing we’ll work on.
I like to start students in the 5th or 6th grade, so around 10 or 11, but it’s never too late to learn! You’re never too old to learn to make music.
For students starting out in beginning band I suggest about 15 min a day or 30min 3x per week. My philosophy is that the more you get the horn in your mouth the better you’ll get!
Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 mins long. I suggest weekly lessons but I can also do bi-weekly lessons and extra lessons if requested.
You’ll know you’re making progress when things start to come more quickly and easily. Once you’ve been playing a while you’ll notice that reading music becomes easier and that making a good sound is easier. The more you play the more progress you’ll notice.
Not necessarily. If you’re going to be in band eventually then yes but if you’re taking lessons for fun then you’re not required to play in front of anyone except me.
That’s ok, performance anxiety is real. I have person experience with it. I can help you focus your mind and make it easier to play in front of others.
Clarinet and flutes come in one standard size. You’ll want a standard flute and a B flat clarinet. There are 3 common types of saxophones, the alto, tenor and bari. I suggest if you’re just starting out to start with an alto or tenor.
You can buy your own instrument or rent one from one of the music stores in town. Beacock Music and Eugene Music both provide rentals.
I’ll teach you how to care for your instrument. You’ll need a cleaning swab.
This is different for each instrument. Click here for a list of accessories you’ll need for each instrument.
If you need to miss a lesson contact me as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.
I provide only in person lessons.
Yes! If you can’t decide what instrument you’d like to play or would just like to see if we’re a good fit we can schedule a trial lesson with no commitment.
I have a mobile studio, which means that I come to your home to teach. If you would prefer to come to me then you would need to contact The Shedd Institute to schedule lessons with me.