Professional Lessons Wherever You Are
Mark offers lessons both in-person and online via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime to accommodate aspiring students from around the world with quality lessons.
Approach to Lessons
Whether you study for personal enrichment, accomplishment in examinations or recitals, or more security in ensemble playing, it is important to enjoy the exploration of solid fundamentals. The goal to create music at every stage of accomplishment and skill level is a worthwhile and vital pursuit!
There is much fun and satisfaction to be had in studying music! If solid fundamentals are instilled, then your time spent having fun playing music goes up dramatically. Making a direct and secure connection between you and your instrument allows anything to be possible!
Areas of Daily Exploration: Clarinet, Saxophone, and Flute
POSTURE
Having the correct posture for your instrument is not only paramount for your comfort, but also sets the conditions for you to fuel your instrument.
BREATHING
This includes taking the air into the body in the correct quantity and pressure ,and in releasing it into your instrument with the correct shape and pressure.
EMBOUCHURE
Embouchure is the shape of the facial muscles and tongue position within the mouth which is the last place the air is before it goes into creating music! Vowel sounds (AEIOU) in everyday speech are useful in setting this up.
HAND and FINGER POSITIONS
Hand & finger positions execute the notes of the musical patterns. Study of these important elements through beautiful melodies and fun passages create the conditions for endless possibilities for music making! Self expression is so vital and important within our fast paced world.
Additional Specialties
RUDIMENTARY THEORY :
Thorough study of key signatures, rhythmic structure and instrumental transposition. Coordinated with the Royal Conservatory curriculum.
HARMONY :
Voice leading, melody writing and harmonization of 4 voices. Analysis uses real music examples. Coordinated with the Royal Conservatory curriculum.
HISTORY :
A survey of repertoire and developments in music through the ages. Royal Conservatory curriculum.
Online Lessons
It isn’t always possible to attend in person lessons due to distance and traffic. Mark has been teaching online for nearly 15 years and this format is as effective as in person sessions. With platforms like google meet, zoom and facetime to choose from, connections are secure and sound. Quality is excellent. With the camera focused on the student, all elements of playing are thoroughly explored. Theory and history lessons are efficient and engaging in this format.
No matter where you are in the world, we can connect from the comfort of your home. The study of music is a vital activity, and online lessons eliminate borders and barriers. Let’s begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Commonly Questions
How long are lessons?
It depends on the students age and level. Younger students sometimes need shorter lessons, but this can be determined by evaluating the student at the interview.Lessons range from 30 minutes up to 90 minutes.
How long should i practice for?
Recommended practice amount is 5 days a week. For beginners, 20-30 minutes per day is sufficient, while more advanced students practice up to 2 hours daily.
Will I need my own instrument to practice at home?
Yes. For beginners, sometimes a rental is sufficient and if deciding to purchase, a lot of rental places give credit towards that purchase.
Will I need to purchase books?
Yes, especially for rudiments, harmony and history. Instrumental books can be purchased for the student depending on the teachers recommendation. Supplementary exercises for instrumental lessons are sometimes provided by the teacher.
How is payment provided?
Lessons are paid in quarterly, or by the term in instalments. Cost of the lessons is determined by level and length of lesson.
What do you do about a student lacking enthusiasm and direction?
As a lifelong educator, it is my responsibility and great pleasure to encourage and introduce material to students that helps them to improve and experience the joy of music making.We are all different, and the individual is the most important part of this vital process!