Teaching Locations:


Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Bethany S.
Hello! My name is Bethany. I have been studying horn for almost 20 years and have been teaching for almost 10. I am currently located in Simi Valley, CA, a little valley located next to THE Valley, quite close to most of Los Angeles. I teach online lessons and local lessons in Ventura and Los Angeles County.
About Me | Teaching Method
As a teacher, I find the most joy in seeing technical improvement translate into artistic freedom and musicality. I also just love sharing my nerdy love for the horn with young musicians!
I tailor lessons and take time to understand each student's pace of learning and playing style. I typically write out customized warm ups for each of my students that highlight aspects of horn playing that promote flexibility and teach music theory. I use etudes in not only a way that promotes technique, but also in a way that inspires creativity, giving a student freedom to experiment with musicality and composition. Students are welcome to bring me any ensemble, solo, or audition music they wish to work on.
Lesson Details | Private Horn Lessons
Local Lessons: I will drive to you! The only required equipment is 2 chairs and 1 stand. A piano/keyboard is preferred for music theory and ear training aspects of horn playing but not necessary.
Online Lessons: I use Skype mostly; I can of course use any method of video chat that you prefer.
Reviews
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My daughter is enjoying her lessons! Bethany has been patient and encouraging with my daughter being brand new to the instrument.

Great first lesson!
Bethany is a wonderful instructor! She is consistently caring and insightful, and has appropriately high expectations--which push her students to improve. She was able to help me wisely choose music that would be both challenging and rewarding. I highly recommend her, and I had a great experience taking lessons from her.

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Bethany over the years and can't recommend her enough for lessons. She is professional, efficient, and a wonderful musician. She has a unique musical insight and intuition that shows in her performances. Bethany has always been incredible at explaining ideas in both a constructive and clear manner. She is a wonderful, patient, kind teacher, and has inspired many, including myself with her playing and discipline in honing her craft.

I received horn lessons from Bethany when I was a music minor at UCSB. Bethany was a wonderful teacher and helped me prepare for various recitals. She was always incredibly patient and had a knack for explaining complex techniques in an understandable and clear way. She broke everything down in a way that really worked for me and helped me improve. I always left her lessons knowing how to tackle my practice sessions in an efficient way.

I had Bethany as my horn instructor at Westmont college. Not only is she a great French horn player, but she is a really talented teacher! I wasn't a music major, but she met with me where I was and gave me great fundamental skills. She always was efficient in our time together and I improved because she was able to target my weaknesses and highlight my strengths.
Photos & Videos
4 Photos & VideosExperience
Horn Player
Jun 2014 - PresentFreelance
Freelance Performer in Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County. - orchestral musician - recording musician - small ensemble and chamber musician
Horn Player
Sep 2014 - Jun 2015Sonos Montecito Woodwind Quintet
Performer with the Westmont College faculty woodwind quintet.
Horn Instructor
Aug 2014 - Jun 2015Westmont College
Horn Instructor to college-level students of Westmont College.
Education
Music Performance
Sep 2010 - Jun 2014University of California, Santa Barbara
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
German
Professional Proficiency
Spanish
Limited Proficiency
Awards
Outstanding Service Award
Jun 2014Univerity of California, Santa Barbara Music Department
Dean of Undergraduate Education Award
Jun 2014University of California, Santa Barbara
Distinction in the Major
Jun 2014Univerity of California, Santa Barbara Music Department
Maurice Faulkner Brass Scholarship
Sep 2010Univerity of California, Santa Barbara Music Department
Affiliations
International Horn Society
Jan 2008Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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