Name: Beginning Clarinet Lesson 1: Assembly and Using the Mouthpiece
Uploaded: 2021-06-30T01:37:53.000Z
Duration: 19 min 50 s
Description: Clarinetist Thomas J. West guides you through your first time using the clarinet, including opening the case, assembling the five parts of the clarinet, using the reed and mouthpiece, forming the correct clarinet embouchure, performing your first mouthpiece sounds, disassembly, and storage. (Duration 19:50)

Clarinetist Thomas J. West guides you through your first time using the clarinet, including opening the case, assembling the five parts of the clarinet, using the reed and mouthpiece, forming the correct clarinet embouchure, performing your first mouthpiece sounds, disassembly, and storage. (Duration 19:50)

Clarinet

My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting. I will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.
 
I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.
 
For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.
 
My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes. 

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

About Me

Thomas J. W. is an active music teacher, composer, adjudicator, and clinician in the greater Philadelphia area. He has over twenty years of experience as a concert band director, marching band director, jazz improvisation instructor, choral director, orchestra director, private instructor, arranger/composer, and marching drill writer in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He has served as a music adjudicator for Drum Corps International since 2016. He has served as a music, visual, and jazz judge for the Cavalcade of Bands Association since 2008. He also performs as a freelance clarinetist, saxophonist, and flutist. He currently is the music department chairperson, instrumental music teacher, jazz studies instructor, electronic music instructor, educational technology coach, and blended learning coordinator for Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School's Center for Performing and Fine Arts. Tom has been pioneering techniques in Blended Learning for Music Education since 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Penn State University and a Certificate in Modern Band from Lebanon Valley College, where he is currently pursuing a masters degree. He was an Associate Director for the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005 and holds memberships in NAfME, PMEA, JEN, ASCAP, and CASA.

Beginning Clarinet Lesson 1: Assembly and Using the Mouthpiece

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Tuba

Bass Clarinet

Bass Trombone

Euphonium

Bassoon

Singing

Vocal Training

French Horn

Piano

Percussion

Audition Prep

Composition

Xylophone

Trumpet

Viola

Cello

Classical Voice

Bass Guitar

Ear Training

Music Theory

Upright Bass

Oboe

Saxophone

Trombone

Jazz Voice

Flute

Violin

Arrangement and Composition

Beatboxing

Classical Piano

Marimba

Music Performance

Piccolo

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Founded in 1907, NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America (also known as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Mu Alpha, or simply Sinfonia) is an American collegiate social[1] fraternity for men with a special interest in music. The fraternity is open to men &amp;amp;quot;who, through a love for music, can assist in the fulfillment of [its] Object and ideals either by adopting music as a profession, or by working to advance the cause of music in America.&amp;amp;quot;

The National Band Association, founded on September 11, 1960, is the largest professional organization for bands in the world. It was organized for the purpose of promoting the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music. NBA is an organization open to anyone and everyone interested in bands, regardless of the length of experience, type of position held, or the specific level at which one works. The membership roster includes men and women from every facet of the band world. NBA is today’s professional organization for band directors, and it stands ready to serve all members of the association through a variety of projects and initiatives.

JEN was formed in 2008 to help bring together the jazz arts community. It hosts an annual conference with concerts presented by students and professionals, a student jazz festival, workshops, research presentations and an exhibition area with manufacturers, retailers, schools and other jazz related organizations. JEN also offers many educational programs, from an outreach program, to mentoring and scholarships.

PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,500 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The present membership evolved from a small group of band directors dating from 1933. Today, the organization includes those engaged in music instruction at all levels, from preschool through college and university, as well as those in the music industry, merchandising and publishing. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with The National Association for Music Education, NAfME.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers. 

Drum Corps International is a cooperative association of its member and participating organizations: We seek to promote and inspire unparalleled excellence in music and performing arts throughout the world.

Dean's List

Who's Who Among American Educators 2005

Who's Who Among American Educators 2004

I am permanently certified to teach any music courses in grades K-12

Music K-12 Level II

I am permanently certified to teach any music courses in grades K-12.

Music K-12

Taught all band, choral, and general music classes, grades 7-12, including marching band, concert band, jazz band, chorus, and keyboarding

Band, Chorus, and General Music Teacher

I taught 7th and 8th grade band and directed the pit orchestra for Penndale Middle School. I was also a visual staff member for the renown North Penn High School Marching Knights.

Band Director

I taught all band activities, grades 9-12, at Lindenwold High School, Lindenwold, NJ. This included marching band and jazz band.

I am the Music Department Chairperson and teach all band and orchestra classes in grades 6-12, jazz studies in grades 9-12, and digital music composition in grades 9-12 for a unique Center for Performing and Fine Arts program. I also direct the award-winning extra-curricular ensemble the CPFA Jazz Mavericks.

Instrumental and Electronic Music

I sat on the board of directors of this non-profit organization, organizing and executing all of their educational programming.

Director of Education

I was an arranger and tenor vocalist for a part-time professional contemporary a cappella group based in Philadelphia, PA.

Professional Vocalist

English

Clarinet is my primary instrument. I can help beginners get started or coach advanced students who are preparing for auditions.

He’s very patient and kind especially for 2 active little girls.

Thomas is honestly an amazing musician and teacher. He was really patient with me. Despite having to deal with major timezone differences (as I live in Myanmar), he took the time to figure it out. Also, he helped me figure out the stuff it took me months to figure out. He also really knows what he's doing. I learned so much in that hour of practice. 10/10 would recommend him.

Fabulous!  What a great teacher! And SO KNOWLEDGEABLE about all kinds of music! THANKS!  looking forward to all my lessons!

Tom was my 10-year-old daughter's violin teacher, he is very kind, patient and professional.

I love my lessons.  In only a few lessons, Thomas has given me some tips that I have been trying to figure out for years.  He is very kind and knowledgable.

We were in a tough position getting ready for a performance that we were not prepared for. It was a big help to have a few sessions with Thomas.

My son was very nervous about his first online lesson. His instructor had him start right in on the lesson, which helped my son quickly get over his nerves. By the end of the lesson, he was all smiles and feeling very confident about his ability to play a very hard piece for his solo contest. He is looking forward to his next lesson.

Thomas is so thorough & detailed oriented/ great with first-timers

I really enjoyed by first lesson with Mr. West, he was very knowledgeable  , it was a lot better than I expected.

After well over a year with Thomas, he is still the best instructor! Patient, insightful and generous in his knowledge and experience- looking for a great teacher? Thomas is the one.

iI just finished doing a lesson with Thomas, and he has helped me tremendously wiTh my scales and embrasure building

Mr. West is very knowledgeable and patient,  my daughter enjoyed the lessons!

Very pleased with the first lesson.  Our daughter has rare special needs and he was terrific with her

Thomas W.

Beginning Clarinet Lesson 1: Assembly and Using the Mouthpiece

Thomas's Clarinet videos

Beginning Clarinet Lesson 1: Assembly and Using the Mouthpiece

Teacher Reviews (47)

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The Intermediate How to Play Clarinet Guide

One Easy Way to Ruin a Great Embouchure

First 5 Notes on the Clarinet (Lesson 2)

Let's Pick Up a Clarinet (Lesson 1)

1st Sounds

Reeds Part 2

Hand Placement

Assembly Tips

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