Welcome to Mark Thompson Woodwinds
Professional music lessons for Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, with additional specialty in rudimentary theory, harmony, and musical history.
Additionally, through extreme teaching flexibility, you can receive lessons from Mark wherever you are through high-quality online lessons!
Approach to Lessons
There is much fun and satisfaction to be had in studying music! If solid fundamentals are instilled, then your time spent having fun playing music goes up dramatically. Making a direct and secure connection between you and your instrument allows anything to be possible!
Lessons
An overview of Mark's specialties
Clarinet
With an incredible 5 octave range and unlimited dynamic scope, the clarinet is a great instrument to focus on expression! From classical to jazz, the clarinet has the range for unlimited music making. It begins with proper embouchure, posture and technique. The possibilities are endless.
Flute
The flute can express and sing any melody. Musically, melodies are focussed on purity of tone and vibrato are explored through technique and repertoire. Posture, embouchure, and breathing techniques are thoroughly explored.
Saxophone
A very versatile instrument! So many styles to choose from, including jazz and classical. Focus on development of proper posture, embouchure and air support. There are so many tone colours to produce on saxophone, and vibrato is developed to enhance expression.
Theory: Rudiments & Harmony
Expand your musical expertise with theory, musical knowledge that goes beyond the instrument.
Testimonials
Amelia McNiven
"Mark helped me prepare for the conservatory theory exams – Harmony 9 and History 9. He made theory understandable and fun. He is a very effective teacher and enabled my success in music!"
Conrad He
"Mark gave me the best chance to succeed at the flute by giving amazing pointers that I never would've noticed. A truly caring teacher and I've already moved 2 levels within a year with his help. Without his help I would've never got through the levels so fast. I have achieved first class honours with distinction on both of my flute exams."
Larry Paikin
"Mark, thanks for those great clarinet lessons over the years working towards passing my RCM Grade 8 when I was 75. Now, we're Snowbirds in Florida and at 84, I'm loving playing in the North Miami Pops. I'm especially benefiting now from your breathing instructions. I miss those lessons."
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Commonly Questions
How long are lessons?
It depends on the students age and level. Younger students sometimes need shorter lessons, but this can be determined by evaluating the student at the interview.Lessons range from 30 minutes up to 90 minutes.
How long should i practice for?
Recommended practice amount is 5 days a week. For beginners, 20-30 minutes per day is sufficient, while more advanced students practice up to 2 hours daily.
Will I need my own instrument to practice at home?
Yes. For beginners, sometimes a rental is sufficient and if deciding to purchase, a lot of rental places give credit towards that purchase.
Will I need to purchase books?
Yes, especially for rudiments, harmony and history. Instrumental books can be purchased for the student depending on the teachers recommendation. Supplementary exercises for instrumental lessons are sometimes provided by the teacher.
How is payment provided?
Lessons are paid in quarterly, or by the term in instalments. Cost of the lessons is determined by level and length of lesson.
What do you do about a student lacking enthusiasm and direction?
As a lifelong educator, it is my responsibility and great pleasure to encourage and introduce material to students that helps them to improve and experience the joy of music making.We are all different, and the individual is the most important part of this vital process!