Woodwinds

Ellen Martins, Woodwind Department Chair

Faculty Directory: Flute & Piccolo | Oboe & English Horn | Clarinet | Bassoon | Saxophone

The woodwind department is composed of experienced and caring 'performer-teachers' with proven track records. Beginners and accomplished musicians of all ages and levels are guided by veteran teachers as they fulfill their goals and maximize their creative potential in a positive and supportive environment.

For students wishing to supplement their school instruction, advance their placement in District, State, and local youth ensembles, prepare college auditions, or simply desire to meet fellow music lovers, NEC Prep is the destination to pursue these goals at the highest standards. Seasoned guest performers share their expertise in public masterclasses. Weekly coaching in reed-making and small chamber ensembles, combined with frequent recitals allow teachers and students to join together as a community to explore the woodwind legacy.

Private Lessons

Private instruction is the foundation of a sound musical education. At NEC Prep, the depth and expertise of our faculty assure a great match for our students' individual needs. Private lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are offered for students of all levels (including beginners!) for all woodwind instruments.

A unique feature of our private lesson program is that it includes the opportunity to participate in workshops, recitals, evaluations, and our annual concerto competition, which offer every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

Prospective woodwind students must set up a placement with Woodwinds Department Chair Ellen Martins, who will advise each student personally regarding an appropriate studio teacher placement and path of study. Private lessons can begin at any time during the school year. For more information on how to get started, please click here. Please fill out the placement form below or contact the Prep Office.

Placement Form 

Classes

For more information on how to enrollment into classes, please contact the Prep office.

Oboe Reedmaking Class

Amanda Hardy, Instructor

This course covers beginning and intermediate oboe reedmaking from cane selection, shaping, and tying, to the proper scraping and balancing of reeds. Students must provide their own reed tools and cane.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Recorder for Beginners

Aldo Abreu, Instructor

In this class students start learning soprano recorder. Along with the technical development, students also learn to play by ear and to read at the same time.

Recorder for Woodwind Players

Aldo Abreu, Instructor

This class is for students who already play another woodwind or brass instrument and would like to learn recorder. Since students already have some wind and finger control, they can learn the basics quickly and also do some recorder ensemble music. The class will cover soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders.

Other Opportunities

NEC Prep woodwind students may also be interested in:

• Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
• Chamber Music
• Baroque Music
• Jazz
• Contemporary Improvisation
• Certificate Programs
• Concerto Competition

Workshops and Recitals

Woodwind players taking private lessons have the opportunity to participate in woodwind workshops and woodwind recitals. The committed NEC Prep faculty members give students feedback and musical coaching in the workshops, and the recitals provide valuable performance experiences. All students and parents are welcome to attend, observe, and learn. Students must be registered for a minimum of 24 private lessons per year through NEC Prep in order to participate in workshops and recitals. All woodwind workshops and recitals occur from 12pm - 1pm. 

2020-2021 Woodwind Workshop Calendar

Woodwind Workshop Signup Form

Summer 2021 Offerings

Oboe Institute

August 9 - 13, 2021
Open to students again 14 - 19 
Registration and other details coming soon! 

This week long online oboe intensive Summer Institute hosted by Amanda Hardy, NEC Prep Oboe Faculty, will feature sessions on topics such as fundamentals, preparing etudes and solo repertoire, excerpt preparation for orchestral playing and auditions, oboe reed making, how to prepare English horn excerpts and reeds, and oboe adjustment.

Previous guest artists of the Summer Oboe Institute have included John Ferrillo, Mark McEwen, and Robert Sheena, of the Boston Symphony, and Anne Gabriele, of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.