Broader Themed Classes

Redefining Technique

This is the clinic I am known for and requested to teach most often. The class gives participants tools to both develop a relaxed technique, and analyze their playing for unnecessary tension. I cover the following topics:

• Stance and Seated Positions

• Rebound and Weight Exploitation

• Hinge Usage and Stroke Types (Including Moeller)

• Building a Practice Routine

• The Feldenkrais Method of Movement

• And More

Introduction To and Applications Of Meditation

This clinic presents how to develop, improve and use visualization in an accessible way. Through the lens of the Feldenkrais Technique and Mindfulness Meditation, I discuss how to identify and preemptively correct issues in not only the execution but the approach to the instrument, the piece and the performance. Some other topics that will be discussed are:

• Body Scan Meditation

• Meridian Charts

• Emotional Intelligence

• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

The Art of Performing: Finding Freedom to Phrase

This is your classic masterclass, but with the focus of expanding the participants’ musicality and inspiring them to take more chances in all aspects of their pieces. I go through a clear method of not only creating a personalized structure for the music, but encouraging a more vulnerable approach to performing the music. Some complementary topics that are covered are:

• Acting Philosophy

• Emotional Intelligence

• Spontaneity vs. Rehearsed

Audition Classes

Audition Prep: Consistent Inconsistency

My second most requested clinic discusses the primary issue surrounding audition preparation: finding what works and reproducing it effectively and consistently. I am of the belief that, while there are many things that stay the same, each audition is different and cannot be treated as the previous one, even if it was successful. This class presents different scenarios to the participants that force them to change their “ideal” prep plan, and demonstrates the need for adaptive planning, simplifying strategies, and prioritizing the work.

Another aspect of preparation that is often overlooked is self care and recovery. Our physical, mental and emotional needs change which often effects our preparation in different ways. Taking these needs into consideration is a must for the best results, and we will discuss how to incorporate these variables into the preparation as well.

Don’t Audition

Inspired by the Anthony Meindl Acting Workshop, this class dives into how our perception of what the audition is effects not only our performance, but our preparation as well. The goal of the class is to make participants aware of their preconceived notions, ease the stress of the process, and inspire pure music making. Other topics discussed in the class are:

Recital Round

A clinic that discusses how to approach each round of an audition in the most musical and methodical way possible. By not simply going on auto pilot and considering the variables surrounding the rounds themselves, the player stays in the moment and aware of variables that may make or break their performance. Some other topics that will be covered are:

• The Feldenkrais Method

• Late Stanislavsky Acting Method

• Mindfulness Meditation
  

Singular Theme Classes

Principal Success

What isn’t taught in schools is how to be a Principal Percussionist. The duties, responsibilities and leadership aspect are not only expanding as the industry grows, but they are often ambiguous and assumed. In this class I present the industry standard duties of the Principal Percussionist, as well as a blue print on how to be organized and flexible when working for any organization.

Timpanist Fast Track

This class is inspired by a month long routine that I created before my Detroit Symphony assistant timpani audition. Having never advanced in either a timpani or assistant timpani audition, after doing this particular routine I advanced to finals. This clinic simplifies the process of improving on timpani into 3 pieces: Intonation, Hinge Usage, Ergonomic Movement. By addressing some of the tangential aspects of these three the participants will not only deepen their relationship with the instrument, but also streamline their progress. Other topics that will be mentioned are:

Perfect Time

This class is geared towards improving the participants’ inner pulse. By presenting ideas from modern dance choreography, double bass and timpani pedagogy, Tai Chi, Wing Chun and Mindfulness Meditation, we will perform group activities that will introduce and connect participants of these aspects of time:

Mallet Ergonomics

Class specifically geared towards increasing accuracy and vocabulary on any mallet instrument. Another narrowed version of “Redefining Technique,” we will analyze the physical demands of each instrument and perform exercises that will expand the participants’ freedom on them. Other topics that will be mentioned are:

• The Feldenkrais Method of Movement

• Wing Chun

• Tai Chi

• Jazz Scat

Mastering Accessories

This clinic is “Redefining Technique” but specifically for accessories. By addressing the physical demands of and being aware of the physical approach to the instruments, participants will find more ease in not only improving their technical proficiency but increasing their musical range on the instrument. Some other topics that will be covered are:

• The Feldenkrais Method of Movement

• Tai Chi

These Clinics and Masterclasses Have Been Presented at:

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