Clarinet Lessons in Minor. Amazing Teachers.

I studied clarinet with William Rappaport when I was a graduate
student in music education at Georgia State University. He may be the
most deeply musical person I have ever known. My sense was that,
though he was a performer of the absolute highest caliber, he was
equally passionate about teaching.
When I initially contacted Bill to schedule lessons, I explained that
I was visually impaired. I wanted to share this information with him
upfront in the event that he had questions or concerns about teaching
me. I remember him saying clearly, “I am aware of the possibilities.”
That was all I needed to hear to feel comfortable entering his studio.
Bill encouraged me to take on any challenge in the clarinet
literature that interested me. He used every possible metaphor he
could think of to communicate ideas that were more easily accessed if
you could simply look at the printed page. He was always warm and
friendly, but focused, never wasting one second of our time together.
Following my work with Bill, I attended The University of Michigan
where, though I was a music education doctoral student, I was
instantly welcomed into one of the clarinet studios. Bill’s creative
work with me played an enormous role in making that happen. Now, I am
a community college professor, teaching a variety of classes including
a studio class for instrumental music students. I often find myself
using the same examples Bill employed with me to help my current
students. I am profoundly grateful for his unyielding commitment to my
growth when I was a student of his.

I’ve played clarinet for over 30 years, and was a clarinet major in college. I started studying with Mr. Rappaport after I was out of college for several years and had moved to Atlanta, where Mr. Rappaport was playing in the Atlanta Symphony. I found him to be the best teacher I had ever studied with. His ability to help me understand the musical phrase, no matter what style of music I was working on, was amazing. I studied standard clarinet etudes, orchestral literature, and clarinet solo repertoire with Mr. Rappaport. He had the same mild, yet persistent approach with me on everything we worked on – always working to get me to play it to the best of my ability.
One thing I had always feared having to play some day was the opening solo to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. A former teacher had been unable to help me with it. So, when a band I was playing with scheduled the piece and told me to get ready to play the solo, I was traumatized and contacted Mr. Rappaport for help. He worked with me and not only got me playing the opening glissando, but helped me to have a better understanding of the other jazzy spots in the piece. So now I can say I’ve performed that piece about 20 times, and the fear is gone! Thanks, Mr. Rappaport!
Regardless of your level of playing, I think you will find Mr. Rappaport to be an outstanding teacher!

Mr. Rappaport was my clarinet professor and mentor in college and has continued to be an inspiration to me both as a teacher and as one of the finest clarinetist I know, both in the classical realm and in the jazz and swing styles.

Anyone who has ever heard me play has always complimented me on my clarinet tone. I can honestly say that my clarinet tone is the direct result of Mr. Rappaport's methods and his gentle but very stringent guidelines. If you are looking for someone to take you or your child to the highest standard of musicianship, look no further. I highly recommend lessons with Mr. Rappaport. Kim C.

Diane is a fantastic piano teacher! She has a wonderful connection with her students and is patient and kind. My granddaughter learned so much!

Mrs. quick has been great!😊She was the only teacher to give my 4 yrs old lessons. Aiden looks forward for them. She makes the lesson fun for him. I would really recommend her!

Mrs. Quick is a very accomplished musician, a creative teacher and great with her young students. My 12 year old daughter has taken piano lessons with Mrs Quick for 5 years and has developed a love for music and improved immensely over that time. My 9 year old son just started piano lessons with Mrs Quick and is very excited as he is starting to make music.

Great with my 9yo son!!

My son had a wonderful lesson and was well prepared for his exam

Our son first time playing bassoon. Base on my son experience, he find Joshua to be very nice, patients, and explains a lot of information. It help him understand about the instrument and the sound when he play. He do have a sense of humor which help my son to have fun and be more comfortable. He also teaches other instruments, too. Highly recommended to everyone!!!!

Mark is a fantastic instructor and Aaron enjoyed his first lesson very much!

I am writing in support of Mark Levenson. I have known Mark for over ten years. In this time I have been lucky to work with him on several projects. Mark is a very fine musician and a great person. 'For the past several years he has been Principal Alto and Saxophone Section Leader for the Sarasota Concert Band. This is a semi-professional Symphonic Band that I conduct. His playing is at an artist level and his commitment to the ensemble is exceptional. When needed to help out, Mark will gladly switch to play soprano, tenor or baritone saxophone for the good of the group. And he plays these equally well. Also, about once a year, Mark would take the baton and guest conduct with great ease and artistry. Mark also worked for the Board of Directors of the SCB. In this capacity he was very helpful in many aspects of keeping the band running smoothly. Raising money, suggesting music, publicity, concert and rehearsal logistics and more are all elements Mark was always willing to help with. His previous experience as a high school band director makes him able to understand and have expertise in all areas of band affairs. He is always willing to help with a positive attitude. His experience in Human Resources also helped in matters of personnel and logistics.

Another way I have been involved with Mark is through his teaching. The SCB has a commitment to fostering music education in our area. Mark has served as a teacher and mentor to many high school band students in our area. We run an Honor Band, a Summer Music Camp and regular playing opportunities for middle and high school students. Mark's hard work and high level of knowledge has always helped our groups..

Mark is also a very fine musical instrument repairman. He does a great job repairing both woodwind and brass instruments. For the past decade or so he has been my main repairman for my clarinets and saxophones that I play professionally.

When Mark and his family decided to leave our area, it was a big loss for us. Besides myself, many other music teachers, performers and students miss the influence of Mark. I know that Mark will continue his high standards and exceptional commitment where ever he is. Our loss is your gain. I enthusiastically recommend Mark Levenson to you.

Mark is a very clear and learned instrumentalist, my instrument of choice is the Saxophone. His approach is very relaxing and direct, Mark is very complimentary towards the things I did correctly which is a real plus for a student like myself.

I know his knowledge base is deep and look forward to actually picking up something new and redirecting bad habits. Tone, Breathing, relaxing, improving the embouchure enjoy what your doing was his focus on the first visit. 1st lesson five stars...

Russ

Eric is a great teacher! My son has gained so much confidence since he started working with Eric. He is excited about it again, like he was at the beginning, and I couldn't be happier with our choice!