Auckland
Clarinet Lessons | Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
I moved to NZ in 2016 to become the clarinet lecturer at The University of Auckland, where I also teach chamber music, music theory and history, and am developing a new Postgraduate course for 2024, “How to Perform Mozart” (an especially important composer for clarinettists!). In 2017, I began NZ’s first and only annual event dedicated to the clarinet, The University of Auckland Clarinet Weekend. Through this event, it has been my mission to bring together the professionals, amateurs, and students alike in the NZ clarinet community for a weekend of concerts, interactive clinics, star international guests, and lots of playing together.
I have maintained an international career as a soloist, recording artist, researcher, and teacher. Originally from the US, I spent 10 years living in Europe and performing in the world’s most famous concert halls before moving to NZ.
Last year I released a critically acclaimed CD recording of the Brahms Clarinet Sonatas and Trio (Centaur Records) that was called “ground-breaking” by Gramophone Magazine UK and “a must listen for any clarinettist” in the International Clarinet Assocation Journal. The disc remained on the Marbecks Records “Top 10 Classical Releases” for almost a year.
Teaching has always been a vital part of my mission as an artist. During my Doctoral studies, my ‘minor’ subject was music education and pedagogy, in which I completed an extensive study on learning methods and how to teach for various levels. Throughout my musical life, I have taught students of all sorts – from young beginners to adult amateurs to professionals looking to upskill.
Before teaching at The University of Auckland, I have taught at The Juilliard School (USA), The University of Oxford (UK), The Royal Conservatory of the Hague (NL), and the Irish Academy of Music and Dance. I have guest taught classes at many of the world’s leading musical institutions including The Eastman School of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music, Northwestern University, amongst others.
The Fidelio Podcast is an arts podcast that I produce and host, where I talk about my performing experiences, interview colleagues, and chat about my historical clarinet collection (of about 70 clarinets from different periods!).
I am a Buffet Crampon Performing Artist, and the International Clarinet Assocation Chair Representative for New Zealand.
Teaching Info
My teaching philosophy focuses on two important aspects: developing correct technique and physical control of the instrument to allow the player a sense of ease, and guiding the student’s expressive and musical growth as a creative artist. It is my view that both of these sides of music learning are equally essential from the beginning of instrumental music learning.
I regularly teach and prepare students for ABRSM and Trinity performance (and music theory) exams at all levels. I teach effective practice techniques and strategies for learning music that will help the student advance as far as possible in the least amount of time.
Through clarinet study, students will learn an appreciation for the arts and culture that includes a love of music, a practice of discipline that they can apply in any other areas of life, and connect deeper into their own humanity.