East Windsor, CT Clarinet Lessons

de Monterrey, Symphony of Southeast Texas, and Opera in the Heights.

Shannon has been a faculty member at various colleges, is currently Adjunct Professor of Music at Brazosport College, and also has an active private studio, Leigh Studios. She is the College Music Society South-Central Regional President; and is an Advisory Board member for the Houston Flute Club.

Shannon received her Masters of Music degree in Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and received her B.A. degree in Performance, and B.S. degree in Music-Business from Winona State University, and has studied with world-renowned instructors.

Shannon has received grants for her work, from the Minnesota State Arts Board, American Federation of Musicians, Rome Festival Orchestra, and the Winona Music Guild, and was the 1997 recipient of the Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award.

Shannon is also a sponsored triathlete and trainer/coach/race director, and gives workshops on the importance of healthy living, nutrition and exercise for musicians. She is a board member for The Lake Charles Triathletes. And she is a strong advocate for music, health, and triathlon. Sponsors: Maggie Martinez-LMT, Eating for Performance, Bikesport, DeSoto Sport, Gu Performance Energy, Rudy Project, Amit Jethva-DDS, Leigh Enterprises.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easy going. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease, but we do need to focus and can have fun doing it. :)
I utilize various methods for each instrument, which is determined by the students learning style and ability; needs, so this can change as time goes on (not sticking to one particular publishers materials). I have done (and continue to do) extensive research into materials available for each instrument I teach, and supplement with my own, to utilize the best out there for "YOU" for the best possible progress. While ensuring an extremely well-rounded musical education, so you can progress at the best possible rate. Since each student's potential is different, each will progress differently. This is also determined by your dedication to daily practice (the more you practice, the quicker you will progress & the more accomplished you will become). This is a 'Team Effort'; I give the guidance and tools. You practice, utilize learn these tools, and off we go! The sky is the limit!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz
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FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. she is a Certified Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Exercise Therapy, with 10 years experience in triathlon. She is a sponsored athlete. She applies her years of teaching experience to helping you reach your physical and nutritional goals, to be the healthiest you can be. She's not for quick fixes/results. It's all about a transformational lifestyle change. Enjoy the journey! It's well worth it! (see info above).

with other musicians, and to listen to as much music as one can get their hands on. My teaching style emphasizes deliberate and consistent practice schedules and a very broad and visceral understanding of music as a whole.

love or reading through a classical concerto, I’ll help prepare you or your child to tackle a wide variety of styles, without missing out on any of the basics that turn good players into phenomenal musicians. We all know it’s not about being the best. It’s about having fun, and playing music well is definitely fun.

Practice makes perfect! Learning an instrument helps build self-confidence and discipline. If your child’s bored, distracted, or just needs a constructive hobby, music is a great place to get them interested in something that will help them feel better about themselves, and the effects will be felt across everything else they do, through better studying habits to a more patient, diligent work ethic.

It’s also relaxing! Stressed about work? Need an escape? Maybe you want to sound like [insert piano player here]. Everybody has the power to learn an instrument. Seriously, there’s no such thing as “talent.” Just start lessons and get practicing! It really is that simple, and I’ll guide you through every step of the way.

I have a diverse background teaching students of all ages, from 3-year-olds to retirees alike, customizing what we learn to the individual student. We’ll learn how to read music just as easily as you read words; improvise and compose music of our own; and feel good playing any style: classical, jazz, rock, and all. My experience as a working musician in films, musical theater, and pop music, as well as classical concert music, allows me to appreciate and teach styles that many other instructors overlook, and I know full well that learning an instrument is not about becoming a professional; it’s about being able to connect to others or oneself through music… and also to just have fun! There’s no need to learn music we don’t like! It’s not about stuffing Beethoven into your kids’ ears… we just want to make music, be that Beethoven or Billy Joel.

Music lasts a lifetime. I know that’s a terrible cliché, but it’s true, and few other skills can claim that. I don’t want to sugarcoat it: it takes time to learn an instrument. It takes practice, and sometimes it’s frustrating. But the results are well worth it, and like a snowball rolling down a hill, the longer you do it, the faster you get… or something like that. There’s a legitimate analogy in there somewhere.

Now get out there and make some music! But start by signing up for lessons. I can’t wait to get started!

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“What’s that chord?” “Why does all my music sound the same?” “How do I fix this voicing?” “I just can’t get it out of my head!” …sound familiar? You’ve probably hit a rut. Or maybe you’re just starting out. Either way, you want your music to sound new, exciting, and to come out exactly how you hear it in your head. Yes… you CAN learn to compose music, you CAN learn to be more creative, and you CAN learn to share your sound with the world.

Film music, classical, jazz… whatever your interest, all music comes from the same place, and by learning a handful of basic concepts, you can apply these to whatever style you’re trying to write. Learning to emulate another musician involves knowing what they’re doing. Learning to create a groundbreaking sound requires that you know what’s already been done, and how to achieve it. Step by step, we’ll work our way there.

We’ll learn how to write cool, interesting chord progressions, how to write beautiful melodies, and how to voice chords. We’ll learn how to control the mood of our music, from making it sound relaxed to adding tension wherever we want. Maybe you’re trying to write for an orchestra, or just a small band. By learning the basics, you can then easily break away from what’s been done and come up with something truly new… the goal of any aspiring composer!

ly into regional and honor bands. For students in band at school, the school music and tests will be our first priority but if we get all caught up or extra challenges are needed I will be happy to supply them. I also have recitals for my students 2-3 times a year to give them the opportunity to perform for friends and family and share what they have been learning.

If you are going to purchase an instrument or supplies before the lesson do feel free to ask for help in selecting your materials, there is nothing worse than an instrument that doesn't function properly or needs constant and expensive repairs! If you have any books feel free to bring them to the first lesson, if not then I would be more than happy to make recommendations after the first or second lesson when I've had a chance to assess the student.

-home music studio is centrally located in La Mesa between the 8 and 94 freeways. 10 minutes from SDSU, 12 minutes from Grossmont, 19 minutes from El Cajon. Plenty of free parking, a waiting area for parents and siblings, and shopping close by. Many of my parents drop their kids off and run errands during lessons.

“Dave provides a structured template for learning which is tempered by a lot of humor.” –Judith T.

gan and elsewhere, and I will be performing with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, one of the country's best young artist orchestras.
I have two degrees in clarinet performance from two highly ranked music programs, and my principal teachers include Chad Burrow, Dan Gilbert, and Dr. Anthony J. Costa. I have also completed additional studies with major symphony players such as Michael Rusinek, Joaquin Valdepenas, and Burt Hara.
As a teacher, I've maintained small private studios in the Ann Arbor, MI and State College, PA areas. I've also taught saxophone and clarinet in Aspen, Colorado with the P.A.L.S. program, as part of the Aspen Music Festival.

--Teaching Philosophy--

My goal as a teacher is to help cultivate an enriching and entertaining musical experience with the clarinet and/or saxophone. I hope to cater to the student’s goals as a performer (whether it be achieving perfect scores in solo competitions or simply learning to play a few easy jazz tunes), while offering a wealth of information along the way. Lessons will focus on fundamentals, musical literacy, aural skills, artistic creativity, improvisation, and composition. While I believe that structure in lessons is important for consistent development, I also believe that every student has different needs, therefore each student will receive custom-tailored lessons. The material I use is a culmination of both what I've used as a developing clarinetist, as well as materials my teachers have used and recommended in pedagogy classes I've taken.

In short, it is my hope that I can help students obtain their goals while enjoying the wonderfully creative experience of learning an instrument and expressing themselves through the wonderful world of music.

For more information, check out my website at www.eddiesundra.com/

a Crosse. I have played clarinet since age ten, and have experience in a number of different ensembles, including the school orchestras at UW-La Crosse and Hartt, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (substitute), and the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra.