About
Clair Cangialosi enjoys an active career as a performer and educator in the Northern Virginia area. She has taught woodwind students in grades 4–12 as well as at the university level in private lesson and masterclass settings. As a life-long band nerd, Clair is passionate about supporting current and future music educators in the development of their double reed pedagogy. In addition to her private studio, she is on faculty at the Community Music School of the Piedmont in Upperville, VA and the Bocal Majority Virginia Camp.
Clair holds a bachelor’s degree in music education (’17), professional performance certificate (’18), and master’s degree in bassoon performance (’20) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is in the final stages of her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance, and will present her lecture recital, “The Bel Canto Bassoon: Using Vocalises to Develop Legato, Optimal Resonance, and Breath Technique” in spring 2024. Her primary teachers are Janet Grice, Stephen Walt, Remy Taghavi, and Ryan Romine.
I have taught private lessons to students of all ages and ability levels, and also have experience working with students with special needs. My focus for lessons is on music literacy, technique, and creative expression. I am passionate about empowering my students to love music and achieve their goals!
As an educator, I believe that:
- All students can learn when given the tools to do so.
- A quality music education should seek to foster a lifelong love of music and learning.
- Music and the arts are an essential part of the human experience and every person should have the opportunity to experience them.
- Music teaches a person how to listen to others, how to be diligent, how to be patient with themselves and others, and how to express themselves creatively.
*PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE SCHEDULING A LESSON*
Credentials: DMA, Bassoon Performance (expected completion May 2024); Master's degree in Bassoon Performance; Bachelor's degree in Music Education, MA initial teacher licensure in music, all levels
Professional Affiliations: International Double Reed Society, The College Music Society, The National Association for Music Education, Sigma Alpha Iota international music fraternity
Generally, I will choose the materials based on the level/ age of the student. Typically, I suggest the following:
For beginners (all instruments): Essential Elements for band, book 1, Rubank Methods (intermediate/advanced), any other method books currently being studied (i.e. in a school ensemble, etc)
For bassoon: The first complete Weissenborn method, ed. Frank Morelli, Milde Scale studies
For clarinet: Baermann Method for Clarinet, Rose Etudes
Oboe: Barrett Etudes, Ferling Studies for Oboe
Additionally, students will work on suggested solo repertoire, chamber music, and excerpts.