Multi-instrumentalist and music educator Bill T. is a highly skilled and versatile musician with over 20 years of experience as a performer and music educator. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2020, Bill lived in Brooklyn, New York City developing his performance career as a jazz musician and Broadway musician. He has performed venues such as Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Birdland Jazz Club, Smalls, Iridium, Blues Alley (D.C.) and performed on Broadway in several productions such as Kinky Boots, The Cher Show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Holiday Inn. Currently, Bill resides in Los Angeles where he leads his own group and performs regularly with a multitude of artists and groups ranging from big band to funk and everything in-between. On top of his studio of private students, Bill is also a teaching artist with the H.H. Institute's nationally renowned Jazz in the Classroom program where he works with middle and high school students on learning about jazz music and helps them develop the necessary skills and elements required to understand it, play it and how to improvise, as well. Bill enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities and specializes in teaching practice techniques that help his students progress quickly. Bill is a very patient and methodical teacher and uniquely tailors his teaching style to each student. Bill holds a Master’s degree in Woodwind Performance from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. He performs regularly on: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, piccolo, flute and alto flute. *** Lesson Details *** Every student is unique and is approaching the desire to study a musical instrument for different reasons and therefore have a wide range of goals. My lessons are designed to fit each individual students needs and desires. In addition, I also focus on developing proper playing habits largely related to sound production, and technique. I see it as my job to help my students understand and develop the proper techniques in order for them to be the best they can be on their instrument. Lessons are about having fun making music, learning, and getting better. *** Studio Equipment *** Chairs, music stands and keyboard and lots of music! *** Travel Equipment *** Student preferably brings their own music notebook along with their own instrument. They need to purchase their own lesson books may arise when the time comes. *** Specialties *** I can help my students learn how to play in a variety of styles ranging from classical (solos, chamber music, etudes, etc.) to jazz (improvisation, harmony, etc.) and also specialize in multiple woodwind performance or woodwind doubling which demands highly developed playing level and rapid switching of instruments in a single show or performance. Whatever the goal I will help my students play to the very best of their ability!
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2003
Master of Music, Multiple Woodwind Performance
Teaches ages 5+
Has background check
My teenage son has been taking clarinet lessons for awhile now and we just love Bill! He’s a multi-talented, enthusiastic and creative teacher who really cares about his students and their learning. He’s always flexible in the process and works to meet you where you are while still focusing on the areas of improvement and how to take it to the next level. Thanks for all the great learning and thoughtful instruction, Bill!
I highly recommend Bill if you're looking for a teacher! He consistently demonstrates not only a strong knowledge of theory and technique, but also strong skills as an instructor. It can be really difficult to find someone who is both highly knowledgeable/proficient in their craft themselves and teaching students. I found Bill originally looking for someone to help me improve my clarinet embouchure, although have the added bonus of his proficiency in flute as well (which I have recently started learning)! We've now worked it out to be able to focus on either instrument, just based on whatever I'm feeling I'm needing more of. I love my lessons with Bill. He gives thorough explanations and is innovative in rephrasing explanations to best find what achieves student understanding. He has even done drawings during our lessons to further explain techniques and concepts. I really appreciate that he creates a detailed lesson log, so it's really easy to see what we've been working on, track progress, and also have helpful tips for practice between lessons. He is so dedicated to his students, even those that he sees online for lessons. I was having some difficulties with my clarinet and Bill was so helpful in navigating troubleshooting and being willing to FaceTime call into visits to the instrument repair professional to help maximize outcomes. He really cares and it shows. If you're thinking about trying a lesson with Bill, just do it! You won't regret it.
Bill Todd is a name to remember. He is a great saxophonist and a talented teacher. Bill is knowledgeable and inspiring. His manner is friendly while focussed on the task at hand. He quickly grasps where the student is, imbuing his lessons with goals to aim toward through clear techniques and a love of music. I can only give him five stars here, while he deserves a galaxy. William