Marissa Johnson
Lesson Feesfrom $18.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
I currently have slots available for new students for Summer lessons! I enjoy working with new students of all ages (ages 7-50+) and students with various levels of playing abilities. I have over twelve years of playing experience and have been growing my clarinet studio the past seven years. The most rewarding thing about teaching clarinet is seeing the growth in each one of my students. Members of my clarinet studio have been involved in the All State Band and have played at the highest level for their State Solo and Ensemble Competition. I am able to accommodate days/times outside of my listed availability. If you have more questions, feel free to send me a message!
I am a clarinetist and music educator from Indianapolis, Indiana and I have a degree in P-12 Instrumental Music Education and Music Performance from Butler University. Teaching clarinet classes and lessons is one of my biggest passions as I have over twelve years of playing experience and have been growing my clarinet studio for seven years. I teach students of all ages (child-adults) and my absolute favorite age of students to teach are middle schoolers. Students of mine have made the All State Band and have played at the highest level for their State Solo and Ensemble Competition. Each year I hold a studio recital for all of my students to meet and perform music for each other—these recitals are some of my proudest moments as a teacher.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the students in my clarinet studio have found success with online lessons. In my free time, I enjoy flying small airplanes and going for hikes.
I have studied clarinet with David Bellman (principal of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), Trina Gross (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Principal Eb Clarinetist/Butler University), and Michele Gingras (Dist. Prof. Emerita from Miami University and Butler University). I will be attending Middle Tennessee State University in the Fall 2021 where I will study with Dr. Todd Waldecker and receive my Master's in Music. I teach for the Butler Community Arts School and have taught for school corporations across the Indianapolis area. I competed in the Finals in the 2019 Butler University Concerto Compeition with the performance of Martin Ellerby's Clarinet Concerto—a personal favorite. At Butler University, I played clarinet in the Wind Ensemble, led by Colonel Michael Colburn, the previous conductor of the President's Own Marine Band. I have been involved with numerous ensembles on clarinet and worked with professional musicians and conductors including Kenneth Tse, Otis Murphy, Michael Martin, Mark Ford, Joseph Lulloff, John Mackey, Steven Bryant, Evelyn Glennie, Stacy Garrop, Larry Livingston, Sey Ahn, Eugene Corporon, Kevin Sedatole, Gary Markham, Samuel Hazo, Master Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Bennear, and Gunnery Sergeant Sara Sheffield.
One of the most important things about learning to play music is enjoying it! I make it a goal that the student has fun and learns something new each private lesson. Along with the required student texts, I let students choose some of their own repertoire. I personally enjoy this very much because a lot of the time, I am able to learn from my own students. Each student is a priority of mine and I make sure that they have all of the elements to succeed. I challenge my students to play musically and think about the direction of the phrases they play, it is amazing to see them be able to do this whether they have been playing for 6 months or 6 years.
I am most proud of all of my students and the hard work and dedication they put forth in their music! I have had multiple students make the Indiana Junior All State Band, receive gold at District Solo and Ensemble, and play at State Solo and Ensemble at the highest level.
B.M. Music Education P-12: Butler University
B.M. Music Performance, Clarinet: Butler University
Member of the International Clarinet Association
My teaching method varies slightly from student to student because each person learns in various ways. It is most important that each student enjoys playing their instrument as they continually excel in their playing skills. Private lessons consist of learning scales, playing etudes (short pieces of music), working on solos, and learning pieces of music chosen by the student (such as a Disney or Pop song). If students are enrolled in a band class at their own school, the student will always have an option during the lesson to get individualized help with their band music.
Recommended Materials:
Beginner
- Rubank: Elementary Method for Clarinet
- Hovey: First Book of Practical Studies
- Rubank: Supplementary Studies for Clarinet* This is an older book but it is VERY good, Let me know if you have trouble finding it
Intermediate/Advanced
- Rubank: Intermediate Method for Clarinet, Advanced Method for Clarinet
- Denny-Chambers: Prep Steps before you Kroepsch (Ask for my studio discount code on this book)
- Denny-Chambers: Finger Fitness Etudes (Askfor my studio discount code on this book )
- Rose: 32 Etudes
- Albert: 24 Varied Scales and Excersises for Clarinet
* No matter the level of player, I recommend getting this book! We will work on it in lessons.