Jim C., Tega Cay Music Teacher | Teaches Private Music Lessons in 29708

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About Me

I have spent my life performing and learning to play the clarinet. I studied music education at West Virginia University and Toledo University. I left college just short of graduating and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where I spent 23 years playing clarinet and alto sax with the 555th U.S. Air Force Band. The last 15 of those years included directing our 15-piece jazz band and playing lead alto sax. Although my professional career was focused in the business and corporate world, my love for playing has never diminished. I continued to play with a number of great concert bands, jazz bands and smaller ensembles which I continue to do to this day. I am currently first clarinetist with the outstanding 90-member Charlotte Concert Band in Charlotte, NC. I also continue to play in big bands, small ensembles and have done some music theater as well. I could also teach saxophone and flute but choose to focus just on clarinet. This is where my passion lies and I am confident that I can help any serious student become a better, more accomplished player. There are no words to describe how much music has meant to me. I can't imagine what my life would be like without the joy, friendships and great music we have all made together. I wish that for each and every one of you.

Jim C. has over 40 years of music experience in the Tega Cay area.

Jim C. is proficient in and teaches Orchestral Lessons .

Formal Education:

West Virginia University Music Education and Toledo University Music Education

Private Education:

I studied privately from age 12 to age 22. My college clarinet professors had a significant influence on my approach to both playing and practicing. Being surrounded by exceptional musicians during my 23 years in he Air Force also played a huge role in my development. Even today I continue to practice and look for ways to improve.

Performing Experience:

Charlotte Concert Band and Charlotte Concert Band Summer Band Principal Clarinet 555th U.S. Air Force Band (Reserves) – 23 years – 1st chair solo clarinet; “Big Band” lead alto sax and Director Strongsville Ohio Community Band – 10 years-1st chair solo clarinet Strongsville City Jazz Band – Alto Sax, Clarinet Berea Ohio Community Band – 1st clarinet solo clarinet Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra – substitute clarinet and bass clarinet Cuyahoga Community College (Community Band) – 1st chair solo clarinet Numerous other ensembles, jazz bands along the way

Experience Teaching:

I am definitely old school. With of all the technology we have at our fingertips, it is easy to try and take short cuts to learning or playing. I am a big fan of using that technology as you can hear with this YouTube link. I recorded myself using my iPhone and a Recorder Plus app and my Music Minus One collection to make these recordings. GREAT fun! However ~ I also believe that you need to learn to crawl before you can walk. In my world that means learning the basics first! You need to learn proper breathing and embouchure, fingerings, scales, intonation, the importance of reeds and mouthpieces and all the rest. It is a slow and often tedious process but filled with enormous joy and accomplishment along the way. It doesn't matter whether your interest is Classical, Jazz, Pop, Dixieland, Chamber Music or any other genre of music. They all require learning the same basic skills first. Your style or music preference will surface as your skills improve. I always thought that jazz and pop would be my favorite kind of music and they are near the top but quite honestly, I most love playing great concert band music with a great conductor and great musicians. You will fine your own niche along the way. I guess I can sum up my Teaching Style by saying that I see my job as helping you to learn and master the basics of playing the clarinet while doing everything that I can to make it as enjoyable and as much fun as I can along the way. I can do my part but in the end it will all depend on your interest and dedication. I will teach you what you want to learn but I will push you to learn what you need to learn.