Barbara Atkinson

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I teach all levels of clarinet lessons and elementary/intermediate saxophone.  I hold Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees, both Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Central Oklahoma.  Was the university's principal clarinetist for three years.  Taught in Putnam City and Eufaula Public Schools as a band director for several years prior to devoting full time to raising my family.  Served as clarinetist (20 years as principal clarinetist) with the 145th Army Band, Oklahoma National Guard, for over 26 years retiring as the band's First Sergeant.  Have been teaching privately since I was in high school.  Past students include many who have increased their pleasure of performing in their school music programs, as well as All-State and All-District band members.  Several have gone on to college participation in music and even music careers, including a couple who have earned doctorates.  I love working with "my kids."  Would love to help your student achieve his musical goals, whatever they may be. 

My Musical Education Background

Learned to play clarinet as member of school band in OKC's old John Marshall High School.  During my public school years, I was named to the All-State Band twice (first chair my senior year) and to CODA All-District Bands four times.  Was always named to the first clarinet section of these bands all but my first year in CODA.  From eighth grade onward, I played solos for contest, always receiving a 1 or an occasional 2 rating. Also played in small ensembles for contests, receiving Outstanding Ensemble recognition a couple times.  In all of my school band years through the bachelors degree, I sat in the first clarinet section, usually as first chair.  

From eighth grade through my bachelor's degree, I played each year in my school orchestra.  In both my senior years in high school and college, I was a featured soloist with my school orchestra, performing a concerto movement with orchestral accompaniment.  Also performed two years with the Oklahoma City Junior Symphony Orchestra.  

During my college years, I performed in the band and orchestra all four years.  Was selected to be the clarinetist in the university's Woodwind Quintet, a scholarship position, for my last three years.  While not required to do so, i performed solo clarinet recitals in my junior and senior years.  Was the clarinetist first askd when a clarinetist was needed for whatever came up.  

My private teachers have included Craig Robison, Earl Thomas, Dr. Dale Kennedy, Dr. Jack Sisson.  

Genres and Subjects Taught

I teach children through music. Specialize in what is needed to achieve maximum success and enjoyment in school band programs.  Love to help prepare students for extra competitions.  Through the course of my lessons, I strive to work in mention of other topics related to whatever we're doing.  I bring in history, literature, geography, mathematics, science, language arts, American cultural history and such as we proceed through our lessons.  Also include music theory, harmony, history and literature as time an opportunity allow.  

Lesson Rates

Generally I charge $20 per lesson.  The price is negotiable and family rates are available for multiple students.  

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Have taught instrumental students from elementary through high schools.  

My Certifications and Awards

I have had certification to teach instrumental and general music in grades K-12 in Oklahoma public schools.  

Music awards received through high school include Band Service Award, Outstanding Band Musician, Outstanding Orchestra Wind Musician (twice).  First Chair Oklahoma All-State Band (1971); All-State Band (1970); CODA All-District Band 4 years.  As the result of numerous Superior and Excellent ratings, as well as school awards, I received eighteen medals and one trophy.  (This was when trophies meant something.)  

In college I was named the First Runner-Up for Outstanding Senior Woman on campus; Outstanding Senior Woman on Campus by the Edmond Chapter, American Association of University Women; Outstanding Senior Woman in Music, to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" among other awards.  Graduated "Summa Cum Laude."  Received my Masters in Music Education degree "Summa Cum Laude" with a graduate GPA of 4.0.  

Service Area

There are no reviews yet for this teacher. Be the first to review Barbara Atkinson