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Clarinet Lesson Testimonial

Clarinet Lesson Testimonial - Thinking about starting your clarinet journey? I’ve had the privilege of helping players of all levels find their voice on the instrument. Read through these testimonials to get a feel for my teaching style and the success my students experience through the Clarinet-Now method.

Rachel - mother of student

“Best decision ever—our son went from beginner to perfect NYSSMA scores and 1st chair in just two years.”

The band director at our son Jim’s school recognized his potential on clarinet after his first year studying in 6th grade band, and highly recommended Chris Jones specifically as a private clarinet teacher. 

Best decision ever! In the first two years of lessons with Chris, Jim achieved a nearly perfect score on a level 4 NYSSMA solo in 7th grade, and a perfect 100 on his level 5 solo as an 8th grader.  The improvement in his musicianship has given Jim SO many opportunities – he has been performing with the HS band as 2nd chair clarinet since 7th grade, and now as a freshman he is 1st chair.

He has been on 1st clarinet at bi-county festivals and Jr. area all state. He was invited to play clarinet in a local theater production, and as a 9th grader is working on a level 6 solo. The proficiency level that Chris has helped Jim reach has had an immeasurable positive impact on his life. 

Recently, when it was apparent that Jim needed a better instrument than the one on loan from the school, Chris spent hours walking us through the selection process, and meticulously “test driving” clarinets with Jim using a rigorous evaluation system to make sure that such a big purchase was the right one.  We are so fortunate that we have such an amazing resource in our area. 

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Clarinet Student from 5-12 grades

Clarinet Lesson Testimonial #2

Chris was my clarinet teacher from 5th through 12th grade, and his instruction shaped not only the way I approached music, but the way I approached discipline, excellence, and growth. As a former member of the West Point Band, Chris brought an extraordinary standard of professionalism to every lesson. He was never the type of teacher to gloss over mistakes or settle for “good enough.” Instead, he taught me that excellence is built through patience, precision, and deliberate repetition.

One of Chris’s mottos was not that practice makes perfect, but that perfect practice makes perfect. He lived that philosophy in every lesson. Whether he was correcting embouchure, slowing the tempo until every note was right, or making sure fundamentals were never overlooked, he expected the best because he knew his students were capable of achieving it. His standards were high, but they were never harsh. He pushed with confidence, not intimidation.

Chris taught me that discipline and encouragement can go hand in hand. His belief in my potential helped me become a better musician and a more resilient person. I am deeply grateful for the years I spent learning from him and would recommend him wholeheartedly to any student seeking a teacher who will challenge, encourage, and develop them with care and excellence.

Sign-up for lessons here.

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Carolyn - mother of student

Clarinet Lesson Testimonial #3

Chris Jones is a skilled clarinetist and teacher. His passion and expertise is clearly evident as he motivates, demonstrates and cultivates the ever-advancing skills of his students. Having my daughter learn from such a talented and dedicated person was a mother’s dream. Your son/daughter or you would be very fortunate to have Chris be your clarinet teacher.  

Sign-up for lessons here.

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Judge Comments on Clarinet Student's Score Sheet

Preparation for NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) is about more than just the notes on the page. This year, a ninth-grade student of mine took on the ambitious Fantaisie-caprice by Lefebvre (NYSSMA Grade 6). We worked closely on the foundational technical skills and musicality required for such a sophisticated piece. The following comments from his adjudication reflect the hard work he put in to master those details.


NOTES FROM THE JUDGE GIVING A PERFECT 100 SCORE AND A+ RATING

Solid, controlled tone.  Supported and projected. Well done!

Beautiful expression instantaneously. Lovely attention to dynamic markings. Wonderful style.

Excellent tonguing – facility.  Well received embellishments.

Your articulation is outstanding.

Notes and rhythms are accurate and consistent.

Brilliant performance!

(Name of student), An absolute pleasure.  Keep working hard.

He passed off all three, randomly chosen major scales and aced the sight reading again totaling with the solo a 100, the top score and marked as an A+ at the top of the sheet.

Take a lesson with Chris. Sign-up here.

If you don't sign up, you might as well close up the computer or the phone and go practice, at least!

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Old Glory Triumphant March

SGM (R) Christopher Jones Career Highlights

SGM(R) Chris Jones played clarinet with the West Point Band for 26-years.  He can help you with improved chair placements, better site-reading, higher NYSMMA or solo and ensemble scores, honor band/college/military band auditions, and help adult players return to music.  Schedule your free, trial lesson now.

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