Joel | Teacher #5572
About Joel
Joel offers Clarinet, Ear Training, and Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) lessons, specializing in Classical and Jazz styles. He holds an undergraduate Clarinet Performance degree from Western University. A student-focused educator, Joel's approach prioritizes exploration and fun over drills. He is available for online lessons and in-home lessons in Toronto.
Clarinet Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz
English
Teaching Philosophy
As a lifelong musician, I believe there's so many skills to be gained from studying music - especially at a young age! My primary goal in teaching is to open students' eyes to the possibilities that music can offer, and to model the values that music has taught me. In my view, lessons should always be a comfortable, open environment for students, where exploration, experimentation and fun are prioritized over tests and drills. When it comes to clarinet, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye! While the fingers are what an audience sees, it's the fundamentals of air, support, and tongue position that are the real secret to great clarinet playing. I start every lesson with excercises and tunes to build these fundamental skills, and progress from there to solo tunes and duets to work on rhythm and musicality. I also like to throw in creative games that break up lessons and keep students on their toes! I'm looking forward to playing clarinet with you! If you have any questions about my teaching, please feel free to send a message my way.
Musical Education
Originally from Sackville, New Brunswick, my musical career started as many do, with piano lessons from the age of six. From the 5th to 12th grade, I studied clarinet privately with James Mark, and performed regularly with the Mount Allison Symphonic Band and in local music festivals. In 2018, I took my playing to the next level and began my degree in clarinet performance at Western University under Prof. Jana Starling, one of Canada's leading clarinet pedagogues. At Western, I performed as concertmaster with the Western University Wind Ensemble under Dr. Colleen Richardson, as well as in various chamber ensembles and solo recitals. The highlights of my degree there came in 2021 and 2022, when I had the opportunity to teach and perform at festivals in Loja, Ecuador and Prague, Czech Republic. Since 2023, I've been balancing clarinet teaching and playing with other passions, such as chess teaching. In the coming years, I'm looking forward to pursuing a degree in Early Education and Childhood Development to take my teaching to the next level.
Awards and Distinctions
-Recipient of the first annual Young-Ja Park Chamber Music Award, Western University, 2021 -Two-Time finalist in the Western University Concerto Competition
Special Skills and Trainings
In addition to my clarinet career, I've studied music theory extensively during my undergraduate degree, and have found these skills to be invaluable as a musician. For students who are curious to learn about chords, arrangement, musical forms and more, I'd love to dive into some theory with you or them!
Lessons in your home
Joel is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Toronto, ON
Lessons on an online platform
Joel can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Joel is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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