In-studio lessons are at Lane Cove Studio, Sydney, Australia. The studio has COVID-safe measures in place and is registered as COVID safe by NSW Government. Online lessons are also an option. Tuition is available for clarinet, saxophone, and music theory. Lessons are weekly, scheduled to closely follow the NSW public school terms. The lesson length can be 30 minutes (beginner), 45 minutes (intermediate), or 60 minutes (advanced). Casual and group lessons are by inquiry.
The Lane Cove studio is located in the heart of the Lane Cove CBD, in the Lane Cove Central Business Centre, 46 Burns Bay Road (access from Sera St). The studio is surrounded by plenty of parking and there is an abundance of shops, cafes, and bus stops nearby.
Recommended lesson length
Beginner
30 minute lessons
Suitable for training from the very first steps, up until the basics have been acquired. Suitable for preparing for beginner level music exams such as AMEB preliminary to grade 4
Intermediate
45 minute lessons
Suitable for developing skills beyond a beginner level, or preparing for intermediate music exams such as AMEB Grades 5 to 8
Advanced
60 minute lessons
Suitable for more extensive training for personal challenge, or for preparing for advanced music exams such as AMEB Certificate of Performance or Diploma or HSC music instrumental assessment
Group tutorials
Minimum 1 hr
Term Dates 2023
Term 1
Mon 6 Feb – Sun 9 Apr (9 weeks)
Term 2
Mon 24 Apr – Sun 2 Jul (10 weeks)
Term 3
Mon 17 Jul – Sun 24 Sep (10 weeks)
Term 4
Mon 16 Oct – Sun 17 Dec (9 weeks)
Studio opening times
Monday -Thursday
1pm – 8pm
Sunday
9am – 2pm
Current Students
Clarinet
The clarinet is a woodwind instrument with a long history. It is a classical instrument and jazz instrument. It has a beautiful tone that makes it an amazing solo instrument. It is also used in orchestras, wind ensembles or concert bands, jazz bands, and many other types of musical groups. Clarinets have a history not only in the Western classical tradition, but also in many other cultural traditions. The most common type of clarinet is the Bb soprano. Other types include Eb sopranino, Alto, and bass.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone (alto sax) is a medium sized member of the saxophone family. The saxophone was invented in the 1840’s and has an interesting history related to the political movements of its time. There are many beautiful classical pieces written for the alto saxophone. It is also well known as a jazz instrument. In contemporary styles, the alto sax often plays in rock and funk styles. The other most common types of saxophone are soprano, tenor, and baritone.
Tenor Saxophone
The tenor sax is a little larger than the alto sax, and a little deeper in sound. Like the alto, it can play very beautiful pieces in a classical style. Like the alto, the tenor sax is also a prominent jazz instrument. In contemporary music, the tenor saxophone’s big sound is very common in rock music. The other most common types of saxophone are soprano, alto, and baritone
Bass Clarinet
The bass clarinet is a bigger and lower pitched member of the clarinet family. Because of its size it is often played while sitting down, although it can also be played standing up. Most bass clarinet players begin on the clarinet and then later on decide to branch out and play the bass clarinet as well. Some musicians become specialised in the bass clarinet and treat it as their main instrument. Like the clarinet It suits a wide variety of styles, played in classical orchestras, wind ensembles or concert bands. Although many people don’t immediately associate the bass clarinet with jazz, it is very suited to these styles and there are some very well known jazz musicians who play the bass clarinet.
Music Theory
Music theory is the study of the structure and language of music. To some extent, this is a necessary element that is picked up along the way with instrumental lessons. Sometimes there is a need to study this as an independent subject. Some people are interested in this as a subject in itself. There are also requirements for higher level music exams which need a little more tuition than can be incorporated into instrumental lessons.
Doubling
It is fairly easy to switch from one type of clarinet to another, or from one type of sax to another. However, many woodwind players also play more than one type of woodwind instrument. This is called ‘doubling’. Saxophone and clarinet is a common doubling. The flute is another woodwind instrument that is often paired with one or both of these instruments. ‘Double reed’ instruments such as oboe and bassoon can create other combinations. While woodwind instruments have some techniques in common, there is still a big difference when playing each one, and they all need seperate training and practice. Therefore, it is usually advisable to gain at least a medium level of skill on one woodwind instrument before taking up doubling on another. The age-old advice for students interested in playing both clarinet and saxophone is to start on clarinet, because of the greater facial muscle strength required. Anything is possible if the desire is there though!