Chalmette, LA Oboe Lessons

if you haven't had time to prepare we can always have a productive lesson.

We will learn simple tunes in the very first lesson, and I will always balance technical exercises with fun. (Though I do think a lot of exercises are fun too!) After a few months we will have a solid foundation of music theory and will have developed your music reading abilities considerably. We will have worked on a great technical foundation of scales and exercises, so that your fingers won't fail you. We will also be delving in to longer and more complex tunes, and considering the possibility of some form of casual public or in-home performance, for you to show your family and friends what you've learned!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to have their own instruments and music.

*** Specialties ***
Classical

ophone quartets, private oboe lessons, and group guitar class.

Carl completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at the University of Kansas in 2014, and his Master of Music Pedagogy and Performance from Oklahoma State University in 2011. He graduated from Harrah High School in 2002, earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2008, and was a 5th-12th grade Head Band Director at Fairview Public schools. He is currently a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Jazz Education Network, Music Teachers National Association, treasurer of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and an Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma. He has held previous memberships with Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association.

While at KU, Carl was also a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio and jazz studies program. His responsibilities included Assistant Director of the KU Jazz Festival, directing Jazz Ensembles II-III, directing Jazz Combo III-VI, assisting with the KU Jazz Festival, directing Saxophone Quartets II-III, teaching private saxophone lessons, assisting in saxophone studio class, and teaching the music education woodwind methods course. His Lecture Recital Document, A Performer’s Analysis of Selected Jazz Works for Saxophone Quartet, featured an interview with Bob Mintzer. Carl was a member of KU Jazz Ensemble I, KU Saxophone Quartet I, and KU's Helianthus New Music Ensemble. As a member of KU's Jazz Ensemble 1, Carl has performed with Dave Douglas, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Alex Sipiagin, Steve Owen, Gary Foster, Steve Houghton, Clint Ashlock, David von Kampen, Peter Epstein, Jeff Miley, James Miley, Roger Shew, and Brian Hamada, Brandon Draper, Rich Wheeler, Beau Bledsoe, Jeff Harshbarger, and Matt Otto. In July 2014, Carl went on a European tour with KU Jazz Ensemble I featuring Steve Leisring and Deborah Brown. Together, they performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Vienne Jazz Festival in France, and performed in several cities in Germany. Recordings by this band resulted in KU winning the DownBeat Student Award (Graduate College Large Jazz Ensemble Division) in 2015.

While at OSU, Carl was a GTA for the saxophone studio and music theory programs. His responsibilities included Music Theory I-IV tutoring and grading, sight-singing grading, piano labs, classical and jazz saxophone lessons, saxophone quartet coaching, saxophone studio Webmaster, and saxophone studio class. Carl was a member of the OSU Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble 1. He had a regularly performing jazz trio and played in OSU's X2End saxophone quartet. The X2End quartet performed locally at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C., at the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and has won the state and division rounds of the 2010-2011 MTNA Chamber Music Competition. The X2End quartet went on to win the 3rd place prize at the national final round of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. They also were the Division II Chamber Ensemble winners at the 2011 Hubbard Music Competition where they were awarded the 2nd place prize in the overall finals. Carl's final degree paper at OSU was a study of composer/performer collaboration. He traveled to Texas, Michigan, and Ohio to interview saxophonists and composers including David Dees, Peter Fischer, John Sampen,Marilyn Shrude, Joe Lulloff, and Charles Ruggiero. He has presented his lecture at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and the 2012 OSU Single Reed Summit. As a member of OSU's Jazz Ensemble 1, he has performed with Bob Sheppard, Conrad Herwig, Wayne Bergeron, and Andy Martin.

While at SWOSU, Carl performed as a member of the marching band, wind ensemble, Jazz Ensemble A, saxophone quartet, and his own jazz combo named Five-Seven. As a member of SWOSU's Jazz Ensemble A, he has performed with Dan Haerle, Bob Bowman, Jack Mouse, Fred Forney, Janice Borla, Eddie Daniels, Pamela York, Lynn Seaton, Carl Allen, Dr. Michael Cox, Tom Williams, Dr. Robert Chambers, Dave Hanson, Drori Mondlak, Delores Williams, Byron Stripling, Frank Wess, Kenny Drew Jr.,Dennis Mackrel, Bill Watrous, Rich Eames, Jennifer Leitham, and Randy Drake.
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Carl's primary saxophone instructors have been Vince Gnojek, Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Dr. Ann Bradfield, Dr. Keith Talley, and William Rodney Hull. He has had additional instruction in lessons and masterclasses from Gary Foster, Dr. Joseph Murphy, Dr. Michael Cox, Bob Sheppard, Johnny Salinas, Dr. Kimberly Goddard Loeffert, Dr. Geoffrey Deibel, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, Dr. Griffin Campbell, Dr. James Laughlin, and Dr. David Dees. Carl's jazz directors have included Dan Gailey, Bob McCurdy, Dr. Jonathan Martin, Dr. Keith Talley, and Dr. Terry Segress.

​Carl lives in Brookings, South Dakota. He enjoys recording several instruments in his home studio and composing new music. His compositions that have been performed include his big band arrangement of Cat Battles by Joshua Redman,September in the Refrain (alto saxophone and electronics), Funk-o-matic (jazz combo), Smooth (jazz combo), and The Deadline Arrives at Dawn (alto saxophone and electronics). As an advocate of new music involving the saxophone, he has participated in a commissioning consortium for Alone Together by composer David MacDonald through Kick Starter. In 2013, Carl performed the premier of Cuento #3 by Nelson Ramirez Diaz. During summer of 2014, he recorded selections from Dr. John Walker's "The Alto Saxophone in the Attic," published by Carl Fischer. At the 10th Annual SDSU/Brookings Optimist Jazz Festival in 2015, Carl directed SDSU Jazz Ensemble I's premier of Dog, Tired by David von Kampen.

​Dr. Carl is a Conn-Selmer Endorsing Artist. He hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA) Conference at South Dakota State University on March 17-18, 2017. On Saturday, April 8, 2017, Carl performed Dreams in the Dusk by David Biedenbender with South Dakota State University's Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Jacob Wallace. On Monday, February 6, 2017, Carl will be performed the premiere of Lhotse for alto saxophone and percussion by Steve Danyew with Dr. Aaron Ragsdale.

vocal accompanist for Tulane students as well as for local churches.

I am able to offer lessons at Tulane University and am able to travel throughout the metropolitan area. As I am frequently performing throughout the state, I can also arrange special lessons in other cities. Feel free to contact me about scheduling a lesson!

I am also happy to assist you in finding an instrument, supplies, sheet music and method books. Having the right setup is the best way to ensure success!

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

it is important to stay fluid and adjust to each student's learning style to create successful students at any age from 3 to 100!

My only goal is to help you reach yours!

-==Some of My Studio Equipment=--
Marshall, Crate, & Fender Amps
Williams and Yamaha Digital Pianos
Woodwind instruments
Violins of all sizes
Brass Instruments
Acoustic and Electric Guitars (Fender, Epiphone, Breedlove, etc..)
Computer and Multimedia Supplemental material
And others!

--=Materials Used=--
I teach Suzuki Method when appropriate, as well as popular scholastic methods when needed for a school band program however, I mostly teach to the student. Each student gets a unique and personalized experience tailored to their specific goals and needs using a variety of available materials, but above all I strive to teach fun when learning the arts!

ic stand, recording devices that can have recordings sent to students after or during lessons!

*** Specialties ***
I trained classically but personally enjoy singing Pop and Musical Theatre. Because of my background, I like to make sure that my students have good technique that carries through to singing any style they like so that they can accomplish all of their goals without damaging their voices and affecting their health. I have extensive experience with singing in languages including Spanish, French, German, and Italian and like my students to experience different languages as well.

g and long range goals for flute, oboe, or clarinet, I am more than happy to work with you at every step to achieve your goals!

As a fully certified public school teacher, I am afforded the training and knowledge on working with students with special needs. Please don't hesitate to contact me to see what I can do for you.

that highlighted the importance of chamber music for all music students and supporters.

Bennett is inspired and engaged in performing new works by living composers. During his undergraduate career, he performed over 20 concerts of new music. Primarily fostering younger composer’s passion to write, he also played a role during Composers Inc.’s first ever orchestral debut concert. Premiering new works in Berkeley, Hayward, and Stockton with various ensembles, Mr. Lopez has enjoyed all aspects of new music performance.

He has also performed across the world including Carnegie Hall, California Theater, Golden Gate Park, Ljubljana Theater, Slovak Radio Hall, Green Music Center, Faye-Spanos Concert Hall, Community Concert Hall of Durango, CO, Menlo-Atherton Center for Performing Arts, and various churches across California.

Bennett Lopez is pursuing a Master’s degree in Oboe Performance at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA under the direction and guidance of Dr. Joel Timm. Previously, he received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from the University of the Pacific where he was a Theodore Presser Undergraduate Scholar.

A majority of his time is spent practicing his instruments, but alongside the necessity of reeds, Bennett enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves going outdoors and cooking!