Piano with Damien G.

It is indeed an honor to teach on this platform! I believe that I bring a wealth of knowledge and performance experience to my private lessons! I received my Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance from Loyola University New Orleans, Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas, and am currently working on a DMA at the University of North Texas. As an undergrad at Loyola University I toured as a clarinet soloist with the Loyola Chamber Orchestra in Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Vienna. I have been a member of the UNT Wind Symphony , under Eugene Corporan, and the UNT Orchestra, led by Anshel Brusilow. More recently, I performed at two UNT concerto concerts as a soloist with the UNT chamber orchestra. I also have performed with the Contemporary Theater of Dallas along with other freelance activities in the DFW area. My teachers include: Mr. A. Crisanti,Dr. James Gillespie, Dr. John Scott, Steve Cohen, Daryl Coad, and John Reeks. *** Lesson Details *** I am mostly laid back, however, I do demand excellence and great tonal projection. For clarinet, I really like Klose's method, however, I use a lot of Rose Etudes, Voxman, etc. Sightreading is a focus in clarinet lessons as well as ear training and theoretical concepts such as building tetrachords, identifying major or minor intervals, familiarity with major and all forms of the minor scale as well. Special attention is given to hand position as well as noticing and achieving tonal excellence. For violin, special emphasis is placed upon proper bowing technique, left hand position, and ear training to improve intonation. Scales and arpeggios would be the building blocks to flawless technique. Method book that I prefer would include the Suzuki and Flesch methods. In all instruments that I teach, I also utilize You Tube videos to enhance the learning process. *** Travel Equipment *** I expect all students to have a stand and a metronome/tuner. With piano students I have a variety of educational games that make learning fun and easier. I usually travel with a whiteboard and manuscript paper in order to test music writing ability. *** Specialties *** I teach mainly in the classical genre....for Violin I like the Suzuki method, though I can teach through any method. I am aware of the freedom of jazz improvisation as well.