About my teaching
I have over 30 years of experience in teaching private clarinet and bass clarinet lessons to students of all ages and levels. I grew up in southwest Michigan and received degrees from Ithaca College in music education and clarinet performance. From there, I moved back to Michigan and earned my masters and doctorate degrees from Michigan State University. Teachers of mine have included Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr and Michael Galván. After teaching in higher education (most recently at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC) for nearly 20 years, I moved to Columbia, SC in 2019.
I am so proud of what my students have accomplished and honored to have contributed towards their musical successes. My students have excelled in their performances (ex. recitals, auditions, and concerts) and have become confident and self-reliant musicians. My former students have continued their studies as music majors in college or have continued performing in bands and orchestras on their college campuses. Many are now middle school and high school band directors, general music teachers, recording technicians or music therapists or are continuing their studies in graduate school. Others are contributing to their communities in diverse ways and still finding methods to still be involved in music.
There are standard materials and music that students should work on to become competent clarinetists or bass clarinetists. However, I tailor lessons to the individual and work with each student to achieve his/her goals. Students of mine:
- are assigned material that is appropriate for their playing level
- continually work on fundamentals (such as tone, finger dexterity and articulation)
- work on diverse repertoire and etudes
- learn methods of efficient, safe practice techniques
- cultivate critical listening skills
- develop and achieve long-term and short-term goals
- play music from all eras expressively
- become self-reliant musicians
At this time, I am only offering clarinet lessons and bass clarinet lessons online. I accept students of all ages and abilities. If you are interested in taking lessons, please contact me at alcheeseman@gmail.com.