Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
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.
This is again true of both the amateur hobbyist and the seasoned professional. 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 Joseph Tomasso is a great first step to artistry.
Teaching Services
Joseph 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 Joseph for current availability and keep in mind that schedules often change. Feel free to check out Joseph’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 Gainesville area, lessons are also available via Skype. Ask about special details and rates!
When emailing Joseph, please include:
- Students Name
- Age
- Previous Musical Experience (if any)
- School (if applicable)
Fees [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
Lesson Requirements
- A working instrument.
If you are looking to purchase or rent an instrument, feel free to ask Joseph for his suggestions, or see the Comments on 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. It is recommended you have more! - Notebook. (spiral or music staff)
- Lesson Materials.
This will be discussed in detail during the first lesson, e.g., method books, solo literature, etudes, etc.
Comments on Equipment
Overall Comments
The quality of your instrument can make or break your desire to stay active in music. Some manufacturer’s student-line 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. If you cannot find an experienced musician, teacher, or repair technician please contact Joseph.
Beware of ebay and always ask for a trial! If the seller refuses to let you try before you buy, you should consider it a waste of time and money. Keep in mind that instrument purchasing can also be an investment, as resale is a common practice. Buy quality — get quality.
Click the tabs for instrument specific information.
Flute:
Brands:
- Yamaha,
- Murumatsu,
- Miyazawa,
- Sankyo,
- Haynes,
- Powell,
- Trevor James, and
- Pearl
Specialty Head-Joints
As you advance as a student you will learn that head joints can make or break your playing. Try head joints from as many different makers as 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, and
- Cabart
Reeds:
Seek out handmade reeds. A good reed is integral to sound quality, response, and intonation! A machine made reed simply will not do! Contact Joseph for information about prices. Other places to buy professional reeds can be found in the Links section. It is also important that if you buy from a professional reed maker that you are either comfortable in making adjustments yourself or can find an oboist to help you out. One-on-one reed sessions are the best option for the money. All reeds are not created equal and all reeds behave differently! Please choose wisely!
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.
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!
Brands:
- Buffet-Crampon,
- Leblanc,
- Rossi,
- Yamaha,
- Patricola, and
- Selmer (Paris)
Reeds:
- Vandoren (V12 silver box, blue box, rue lepic),
- Rico Grand Select,
- Gonzales
Mouth Pieces:
- Vandoren (B45, M15, M30),
- Gigliotti,
- Johnston,
- Pyne,
- Richard Hawkins,
- Lomax
Ligature:
- Bonade,
- Vandoren Masters,
- Vandoren Optimum,
- Bay
Saxophone:
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!
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
Mouth Pieces:
- Selmer C*,
- Vandoren (SL3/4, AL3/4, TL3/4, BL3/4)
Ligature:
- Vandoren Masters,
- Vandoren Optimum,
- Bay
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 a French system is what you are looking for.
Brands:
- Fox,
- Puchner,
- Heckel,
- Schreiber,
- Yamaha,
- Takeda,
- Huller
Reeds:
Students are strongly encouraged to play on handmade reeds made by a professional. As with the oboe, the quality of the reeds will make a huge impact on the quality of sound, response and intonation. Check the Links section for a list of websites — if you cannot find a bassoonist to help you directly.
Just as with the flute, the Bocal of the Bassoon will also play a large impact on playing the Bassoon. Work with an instructor to find the right setup.