Mannes College: The New School for Music Master’s degree, Professional Studies Diploma in Orchestral Conducting 2012; Master of Music Degree in Orchestral Conducting 2010 2008-2012
Mannes College: The New School for Music Bachelor’s degree, Clarinet Performance, Graduate with Honors 2004-2008
The Virginia Governor's School for the Arts High school student, Clarinet Performance, Graduate with Honors 2000-2004
Tutoring Experience:
5-10 years
Preferred Grade Level:
Pre-K, College, K-6, Graduate, Middle school, Adult learner, High school
This map depicts an approximate location, based on the ZIP code only
A teacher with passion, enthusiasm, expertise, and 7+ years teaching experience in the New York City area. Currently faculty at Mannes College: The New School for Music, and Musipire Professional Music Education Center (Queens, NY); clarinet faculty 5 years at The Richard Rodgers School for the Arts and Technology (sadly, the program was cut for budget reasons).
My experience has primarily been with children from 4 years of age through high school, but I have also worked with adult students and am comfortable teaching any age or experience level. I believe that in order for a student to learn effectively, they must be engaged by the teacher in a way that makes the lesson fun and interesting, while simultaneously working within a disciplined technical framework. Developing fundamental skills of rhythm, pitch, and note-reading, and building disciplined practice and study habits, are essential to learning to play an instrument.
Though not currently listed as subjects on this site (hopefully this will be updated), I am also an "expert" in: Orchestral Conducting, Acoustic Guitar
I am also an accomplished singer, and have employed as a baritone by several different church and synagogue choirs in NYC. For those who want to learn to sing and play guitar, I'm your man!
When teaching, my attention is 100% on the student; no texting, cell phone calls, etc. I genuinely enjoy teaching, and my students tend to enjoy their lessons very much. I'm very patient, and will happily explain things multiple times or in different ways if necessary. I like to challenge students to exceed their own expectations as players. LOTS AND LOTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH BEGINNING STUDENTS!!!! I have also worked with special needs students before, specifically students with ADD and ADHD.
I am also well versed in literature, poetry, and history, and am at ease working with students in these subjects.
Ben R.