WOC Academy Teachers Philosophy
From Ms. Sharon:
-Great musicians are made through dedication, consistent practice, and self-discipline. Be the musician you want to be.
-Violinists have been traditionally taught to read and perform other people’s music. Writing your own imaginative compositions are crucial in mastering the violin.
-From classical, to country, to rock and hip-hop, no genre excludes string-instruments.
———————————————————————————-For all wind instruments and percussion instructed by Mr. Steve:
Books used for woodwind and brass instruction will be the Breeze Easy methods I and II by John Kinyon. Percussion students will utilize the Alfred’s drum method books I and II by Sandy Feldstein and Dave Black. All of these method books are published by Alfred Publishing. Drumset students will use The Drumset Musician by Rod Morgenstein and Rick Mattingly published by Hal Leonard. Additional solos or duets will be provided by Mr. Steve.
Lessons will emphasize proper tone production, breathing, and instrument-specific posture. Drummers will be taught matched grip sticking, and later traditional grip stick position. Students will be taught to read music at their own pace. Since band instrument students will be playing with groups of people, attention to adhering to tempo and rhythmic reading will be highlighted during instruction.
Sightreading will be covered in lessons at the individual student’s ability level. Memorization of scales and arpeggios will also be highlighted to improve overall technique. Occasionally, short etudes and solos at the students skill level will also be memorized. We will also work on any band/orchestra music from school which needs attention. Audition literature for school will also be covered.
Drum students will be taught the snare drum, drumset, bongos, and other auxilliary percussion. Keyboard percussion instruction is available on the small Glockenspiel in studio. Play along CDs will be provided for drumset practice at home when the student reaches that level of performance.
My teaching philosophy is that learning music should be fun. As skills improve, it should become even more enjoyable, as the player is able to perform higher levels of literature. Students should attempt to practice daily. This is especially true of wind instruments, since there is physical effort required to produce a tone. The best any student can do is always good enough for me. Their best effort should be a result of their practice at home with their instrument. I love to see students surprise themselves with their own progress. I also like to inject humor into lessons to keep things light.
Instrument specific equipment recommendations:Trombone mouthpiece – beginners should use a Bach 12C or equivalent
Drum sticks – 5A sticks are a great start. “Junior” sticks are fine for young students with small hands.
Please, let us know if you have any additional questions about WOC Academy Teachers Philosophy!
