Gain confidence and feel more joy playing your instrument
Does it feel like work when you play music?
Meg,
you're a gem! Our family
has been exposed to many music teachers over the years, but none have brought such
passion and creativity to each individual lesson. Your efforts to inspire
my daughter to do more than simply play a song proficiently is a most commendable
gift. [My daughter,] Joie has learned so much working with you - and had
fun to boot! Thank you.
Do you feel drawn to making music but don't seem able to produce a pleasing clarinet tone? Do you wonder what happened to the joy you felt when you took up the sax? Many people new to the clarinet or saxophone are limited by an improperly-formed embouchure (how your mouth interfaces with the instrument), preventing them from playing the full range of their horn. Some students are unable to progress in their skills because they don't understand the nuts and bolts of music.
You can bring joy back to your musical practice.
When you have a solid understanding of music fundamentals like playing in tune, alternate fingering positions, and the difference between a major and minor scale; realized in an encouraging learning environment, you are more confident in yourself. More confidence helps you relax. When you are relaxed, the play returns to your music experience! This is the foundational setting in which you will learn at Grace Notes Music Studio.
The purpose of these lessons is to increase your skill level on saxophone and/or clarinet and enjoy the process!
In private instruction with Meg Grace, you'll learn how to:
- form a sax and clarinet embouchure conducive to excellent tone
- play in tune
- articulate individual notes in staccato, legato, and marcato styles
- balance hand and finger positions
- read music notation
- sight-read music (Never fear a music party or jam session again!)
- construct and play major and minor scales
- construct and play arpeggiated chords (Major, minor, dominant and more!)
- transcribe music from a recording
- play by ear
- improvise
- practice effectively to achieve your goals
- audition for state contest or college admissions
- arrange music from piano score and fake books
You'll also acquire these skills:
- memorizing scales and chords
- understand music theory
- understand both jazz and 'legit' styles of playing
- develop your musical ear
- become competent in choosing when to use alternate fingerings
- increase the range of your instrument via altissimo
- prepare for performance in the twice-yearly recitals
- basic music arranging
- grow your repertoire of music
Perfectionism prevents progress.
There is a perception in the music world that when you make music, it has to be perfect, or correct, or good! (by a very limited definition of the word.) In this view, there's no room for mistakes. This perception is supported by many musicians and music teachers. I take a different approach.
Take a musical journey to your true musical self.
Musical success comes as the result of connecting with your true musical self. My program focuses on cultivating your inherent musical skills and guiding you along your musical journey; reaching your delighted destination. Along the way, we celebrate mistakes. Mistakes open a window to your true self. When you give yourself permission to make mistakes, you make room for the unknown opportunity.
Benefit from the experience of a lifetime of performance and instruction.
Meg Grace of Grace Notes Music Studio has been inspiring musicians of all ages, to achieve their musical goals since 1991. She began her own musical journey at the age of four. Meg offers private programs for: beginning saxophonists and clarinetists; individuals returning to their instrument after a period away; instrumentalists wanting to improvise; and clarinetists and saxophonists preparing for performance and/or music jobs. Read about my monthly lesson program.
Please call Meg at 503-236-4348 to learn more about how you can get more gratification from playing the sax or clarinet. She will be happy to discuss your situation over the phone at no charge. Call 503-236-4348 now. You can also provide me with some detail about your situation by filling out the form on my Contact page.
