Auckland
Clarinet Lessons | Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons
Bio
I am a professionally trained clarinetist, composer and teacher, with 20 years teaching experience, both privately and in schools, ranging from beginner to tertiary level. I have a Master of Music degree from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Auckland. From the Trinity College London I have ATCL and AMusTCL qualifications. I also have a Certificate in Higher Education from Unitec, to compliment my teaching portfolio. For the past eleven years I’ve been lecturing music at Unitec in the subjects of musicianship, composition and music technology.
Teaching Info
I believe that learning to play an instrument should be fun and that a high standard of technique and musicianship lead to lifelong enjoyment.
I teach clarinet students from beginner to advanced level that vary in age from 8 years to adult. A large number of adults that I teach are retired and are either coming back to the clarinet or discovering it for the first time. I have experience in teaching both private and group lessons and have taught at a number of schools including Rangitoto College, Kristen School, Howick School of Music, Takapuna Grammar, Baradene College, Rodney College and the Auckland Community Learning Centre.
I have been teaching clarinet for over 20 years. Many of my students have been successful in Trinity College and Royal Schools examinations. I also have students that play purely for the enjoyment of the clarinet. As a performer I have played with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Aorangi Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand National Youth Orchestra and Opus Chamber Orchestra as well as numerous chamber ensembles.
As well as clarinet teaching, I teach music theory, tutor NCEA Music levels 1-3 and Auckland University (BMus) Basic Musical Techniques papers. I have a strong interest in music theory and spent much of my day-to-day work lecturing music theory at Unitec for the last 10 years. I provide tuition in music theory for Royal Schools and Trinity College examinations.
Lessons are tailored to suit you. Lessons are 30 minutes. I teach from a studio in Grey Lynn/Ponsonby.
Student testimonials
I started clarinet lessons with Robin six months ago, this after a period covering over sixty years of teaching myself, that resulted in bad playing habits. Robin, therefore, didn’t only have to teach an elderly man but also had the unenviable task of re-educating him to the correct way of playing his clarinet! Robin has risen to the task with unfailing patience and understanding, so much so, that I am amazed at my progress.
I never ever thought it would be possible to teach such an old dog new tricks but….progress has been taking place. Sometime slowly, to be sure but…always forwards. I look forward to my daily practice and weekly teaching sessions whereas prior to being with Robin I never felt that I going anywhere with my playing. – so much so that it was rare for me to even consider practice. At this stage I am confident that I am heading in the correct direction, not only with playing my clarinet but also in having the confidence to learn to read music – correctly! Her abilities to enable me to overcome my own bad habits and instill confidence whilst ensuring I progress to an acceptable standard are very much appreciated.
I can, therefore, thoroughly recommend Robin as a superb clarinet teacher. – Ian McMichael
Robin is the most fabulous teacher, who tunes into her pupils needs, while gently supporting and encouraging us to reach for the stars. I notice her pupils are of all ages and they look as happy and excited as I do each week. A very happy pupil :) – Maggie