Basic Lesson Info
Pierre is available to teach the following instruments: Saxophone, Oboe, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon, Recorder, Beginning Piano, and Chamber Music. Rates are listed below and subject to change. Please contact Pierre for current availability and keep in mind that schedules often change.
Lessons -types & rates
| 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Lessons | $25 | $35 | $45 |
| Chamber Music-coaching | n/a | $15 | $25 |
| Reed Making | n/a | $35 | $45 |
Requirements
- A working instrument. If you are looking to purchase or rent an instrument feel free to ask Pierre for his suggestions or see the Recommended Equipment section.
- Metronome
- Tuner (please find a tuner that generates/drones a pitch as well as includes a visual display)
- Reeds (if applicable: there is no excuse to have less than 3 working reeds, if not more!)
- Notebook (spiral or music staff)
- Lesson Materials (This will be discussed in the first lesson. Examples are method books, solo literature, etudes etc…)
Goals
The basic goals of private lessons are to instill the basic fundamentals so that students may continue on to explore artistry later in life, whether as an amateur or professional. Strong concepts in rhythm, intonation, sound quality, and musical phrasing will be taught from day one as they represent the building blocks on which musicianship is built.
Recommended Equipment
The quality of your instrument can make or break your desire to stay active in music. Yamaha may not always be the cheapest student option, however in many cases they are the absolute best. Each instrument must be treated differently so if you cannot find an experienced musician, teacher, or repair technician please contact Pierre.
Keep in mind that instrument purchasing can also be an investment as resale is common practice. Buy quality and get quality. See below for instrument specific information.
Brands: Yamaha, Murumatsu, Miyazawa, Sankyo, Haynes, Powell, Trevor James, Pearl
Specialty Head-Joints (email for specifics)
As you advance as a student you will learn that head joints can make or break your playing. Try head joints from all makers that you can. Even if you have a Yamaha flute you may find a Sankyo head joint to be a great fit. Also keep an eye out for specialty head joint makers like Drelinger. As a student advances it may be wise to spend money on a strong professional quality head joint and a semi-professional quality body.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: look for an instrument with a left hand F and a low Bb key if possible. These are not standard on beginning instruments, though they are truly necessary for success. If you choose to rent an instrument be advised you will be looking to upgrade your instrument much sooner than the other woodwinds. Also, there are several systems of oboes. Please only purchase an oboe that is Conservatory System and Semi-Automatic Octaves (not fully automatic). Vintage instruments should first be evaluated by an instructor.
Brands: Buffet-Crampon, Loree, Fox, Patricola, Marigaux, Rigoutat, Howarth, Fossati, Bulgheroni, Josef, Laubin, Hiniker, Yamaha, Cabart
Reeds:Seek out handmade reeds as a good reed is integral to sound quality, response, and intonation! A machine made reed simply will not do! Contact Pierre for information about prices. Other places to buy professional reeds can be found in the Links section. It is important that if you buy from a professional reed maker that you do not know that you are either comfortable in making adjustments yourself or can find an oboist to help you out. One-on-one reed sessions are the best option for the money. All reeds are not created equal and all reeds behave differently! Please choose wisely!>
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: Please avoid German-system clarinets. They are rare but generally not played by the majority of professional players outside of small areas in Europe. The Boehm system is the standard.
Brands: Buffet-Crampon, Leblanc, Rossi, Yamaha, Patricola, Selmer (Paris)
Reeds: Vandoren (V12 silver box, blue box, rue lepic), Rico Grand Select, Gonzales
Mouthpieces: Vandoren B45, M15, M30., Gigliotti, Johnston, Pyne, Richard Hawkins, Lomax.
Ligature: Bonade, Vandoren Masters, Vandoren Optimum, Bay
Reeds/Mouthpieces/Ligatures will have a large impact on sound quality, response, and intonation. It is likely to take some time to find the appropriate setup for a starting student. Most professionals are constantly testing new options. Expect to work with an instructor to find what works best for you!
Brands: Selmer, Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Buffet-Crampon, Trevor James
Reeds: Vandoren (Blue box only for classical playing…Java/ZZ etc for jazz), La Voz, Rico Grand Select,
Mouthpieces: Selmer C*, Vandoren (SL3/4, AL3/4, TL3/4, BL3/4)
Ligature: Vandoren Masters, Vandoren Optimum, Bay
Reeds/Mouthpieces/Ligatures will have a large impact on sound quality, response, and intonation. It is likely to take some time to find the appropriate setup for a starting student. Most professionals are constantly testing new options. Expect to work with an instructor to find what works best for you!
IMPORANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: A good Bassoon will be the difference between a successful and frustrated bassoonist. It is most likely a good idea to have an instructor look over any instrument before you purchase or rent. Vintage instruments should certainly be looked over first. Be advised that the German System bassoon is the most common. A French system should be avoided unless you are an experienced player and know that is what you are looking for.
Brands: Fox, Puchner, Heckel, Schreiber, Yamaha, Takeda, Huller
Reeds: Students are strongly encouraged to play on handmade reeds from a professional. As with the oboe the quality of the reeds will make a huge impact on the quality of sound, response, and intonation. Check the links section for a list of websites if you cannot find a bassoonist to help you directly. Just as with flute the Bocal of the Bassoon will also play a large impact in playing Bassoon. Work with an instructor to find the right setup.