Private Lessons

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Teaching Philosophy

I want my students to receive an education on the bassoon that is grounded strongly in fundamentals.  My students will be imparted the framework that I have generated for an ideal pedagogical approach to the bassoon.  I aim to start my students off correctly and build proper technique and sound production from the ground up, creating a foundation for playing unhindered by wasteful methods.  I also firmly believe in the importance of my students’ individual minds and needs; I want to meet my students where they are, personally and professionally.  Building my students’ skills in the technical and mental aspects of performance is crucial, as the two feed off of each other.  In my lessons, I engage my students in a meeting of the minds, an agreement to their excellence, and a relationship between student and mentor. 

            What is of critical importance, regardless of the student’s level, is their personal growth.  I firmly believe that cognitive and emotional development are critical to not only success in one’s performances and career, but to personal fulfillment in general.  The process of becoming a stronger musician serves as a remarkable conduit for such growth, forcing the student to build individual strength through developing confidence in their own ability to perform while learning a strong sense of humility amidst a wide variety of challenges.  Music is a remarkably involved activity, but its ultimate purpose is to reach people and enrich lives through artistry; I see it as a primary duty as a teacher to guide the student through the trials that musicianship brings and aid them in becoming a self-sufficient, well-rounded, and skilled performer and individual. 


Audio Samples

A recording of a trio I performed alongside two of my former students, Mikaela Kroyer and Kevin Daniel, can be heard here on my SoundCloud. The piece is Desert Miniatures: Insects, a contemporary bassoon trio composed by Robert McClure. The performance was given in Bowling Green State University’s Bryan Recital Hall during the University’s 39th Annual New Music Festival in 2018.


I am Taking on Students!

I will be based in New York City soon and am taking students of all ages and goals! If you would like to get in touch with me regarding lessons, I would be happy to get in contact with you. Click the button to get started!