Richard Brookens
About
A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston with a bachelor's of music, private woodwind studies with Joe Viola. While in Boston I was also the recipient of a NEA grant for a year of private study with Charles Banacos. I've played professionally performing many styles of music throughout the USA and the Caribbean, and in Canada, Mexico, Europe. and Asia. First began playing in recording studios when I was 18. I've been playing since 1963!
Besides my main focus as a player, I also focused on music theory and arranging.
Teaching Style
I like to find out what the student might need to improve on ASAP. Besides embouchure, technique, and tone production, I offer a well rounded approach including both ear training and reading skills. Other topics would include practice habits and strategies, how to work on reeds, mouthpiece choices, posture, and motivstion.
Curriculum
After finding out what level of achievement and ability the student exhibits in different areas, I offer a way to integrate new material and ideas into their experience, perhaps filling in some gaps along the way. Mastering the instrument and refining the ear are both worthy goals. To play Jazz most students need to work on their ear a lot. In addition, repertoire and some history of jazz is also enriching for most students.
Texts recommended would depend on what level of understanding the student has. At a beginning level basics have to be covered and developed. There are many beginner books to choose from. At the Intermediate and advanced levels I often dictate exercises and ask for them to be memorized for the next lesson. I also will assign transcriptions of recorded solos. Studying the master's solos is what is always done. Taking tunes and melodic fragments through all the keys are skills that eventually opens up al kinds of possibilities.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelors of Professional Music from Berklee College of Music