Teaching
Massimo is available to teach the following instruments: Saxophone, Oboe, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon, Recorder, Beginning Piano, and Chamber Music. Rates are listed below and subject to change. Please contact Massimo for current availability and keep in mind that schedules often change. Please feel free to check out Massimo’s Teaching Philosophy to get an idea what private instruction can offer you or your music student. If you are interested in lessons but do not live in the area, lessons are also available over Skype. Ask about special details/rates!
Pricing
FEES (fees are subject to change) [Ask about a family discount!]
Private Lessons
- $25 = 30 minute lesson (Beginner Students Only)
- $35 = 45 minute lesson
- $45 = 60 minute lesson
Chamber Music
- $15 per student = 45 minute coaching
- $25 per student = 60 minute coaching
Reed Making (ask about a group discount)
- $35 = 45 minute lesson
- $45 = 60 minute lesson
Requirments
- A working instrument. If you are looking to purchase or rent an instrument feel free to ask Massimo for his suggestions or see the Recommended Equipment section.
- Metronome
- Tuner (please find a tuner that generates/drones a pitch as well as includes a visual display)
- Reeds (if applicable: there is no excuse to have less than 3 working reeds, if not more!)
- Notebook (spiral or music staff)
- Lesson Materials (This will be discussed in the first lesson. Examples are method books, solo literature, etudes etc…)
Belief
The basic goals of private lessons are to instill the basic fundamentals so that students may continue on to explore artistry later in life, whether as an amateur or professional. Strong concepts in rhythm, intonation, sound quality, and musical phrasing will be taught from day one as they represent the building blocks on which musicianship is built. The ultimate goal in education is to inspire and teach students to learn and develop their craft to their best abilities, so that they may continue to grow under their own guidance and be able to share that talent and knowledge with current and future generations. Students must develop an understanding and ability to perform technical, musical, and tonal skills to the level that they can then communicate the heart and soul of the music, as intended by the composer, within the context of their own artistry and life experience. Showing students how to study, practice, listen, and become their own teacher is paramount to any successful educational philosophy. After all, the ultimate goal is to help students develop their musical intuition, intelligence, confidence and consistency, and to enable them to become their “own artist.” Studying with Massimo Lorenzini is a great first step to artistry.
Flute
Brands: Yamaha, Murumatsu, Miyazawa, Sankyo, Haynes, Powell, Trevor James, Pearl
Specialty Head-Joints (email for specifics)
As you advance as a student you will learn that head joints can make or break your playing. Try head joints from all makers that you can. Even if you have a Yamaha flute you may find a Sankyo head joint to be a great fit. Also keep an eye out for specialty head joint makers like Drelinger. As a student advances it may be wise to spend money on a strong professional quality head joint and a semi-professional quality body.
Oboe
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: look for an instrument with a left hand F and a low Bb key if possible. These are not standard on beginning instruments, though they are truly necessary for success. If you choose to rent an instrument be advised you will be looking to upgrade your instrument much sooner than the other woodwinds. Also, there are several systems of oboes. Please only purchase an oboe that is Conservatory System and Semi-Automatic Octaves (not fully automatic). Vintage instruments should first be evaluated by an instructor.
Brands: Buffet-Crampon, Loree, Fox, Patricola, Marigaux, Rigoutat, Howarth, Fossati, Bulgheroni, Josef, Laubin, Hiniker, Yamaha, Cabart
Clarinet
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: Please avoid German-system clarinets. They are rare but generally not played by the majority of professional players outside of small areas in Europe. The Boehm system is the standard.
Brands: Buffet-Crampon, Leblanc, Rossi, Yamaha, Patricola, Selmer (Paris)
Reeds: Vandoren (V12 silver box, blue box, rue lepic), Rico Grand Select, Gonzales
Mouthpieces: Vandoren B45, M15, M30., Gigliotti, Johnston, Pyne, Richard Hawkins, Lomax.
Ligature: Bonade, Vandoren Masters, Vandoren Optimum, Bay
Saxophone
Brands: Selmer, Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Buffet-Crampon, Trevor James
Reeds: Vandoren (Blue box only for classical playing…Java/ZZ etc for jazz), La Voz, Rico Grand Select
Mouthpieces: Selmer C*, Vandoren (SL3/4, AL3/4, TL3/4, BL3/4)
Ligature: Vandoren Masters, Vandoren Optimum, Bay
Reeds/Mouthpieces/Ligatures will have a large impact on sound quality, response, and intonation. It is likely to take some time to find the appropriate setup for a starting student. Most professionals are constantly testing new options. Expect to work with an instructor to find what works best for you!
Bassoon
IMPORANT NOTE FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS: A good Bassoon will be the difference between a successful and frustrated bassoonist. It is most likely a good idea to have an instructor look over any instrument before you purchase or rent. Vintage instruments should certainly be looked over first. Be advised that the German System bassoon is the most common. A French system should be avoided unless you are an experienced player and know that is what you are looking for.
Brands: Fox, Puchner, Heckel, Schreiber, Yamaha, Takeda, Huller
Comments
The quality of your instrument can make or break your desire to stay active in music. Some student lines of instruments are much greater than others for a reason. For example, Yamaha may not always be the cheapest student option, however in many cases they are the absolute best. Each instrument must be treated differently so if you cannot find an experienced musician, teacher, or repair technician please contact Massimo. Beware of Ebay and always ask for a trial! If the seller refuses to let you try before you buy they are doing a favor by letting you know their instrument is a waste of time and money. Keep in mind that instrument purchasing can also be an investment as resale is common practice. Buy quality and get quality. See below for instrument specific information.