Inspiring the next generation into innovators
Teaching Experience
Mr. Cruz has ample experience teaching students ranging from beginner level to young professionals. Currently he serves as a teaching artist with the North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) organization located in Boston, MA. He was offered this position during his first year of studies at The New England Conservatory in 2021. At NEMPAC, Mr. Cruz is entrusted to lead small group clarinet instruction as well as provide additional private lessons to his students.
Upon entrance to the Eastman School of Music in 2019, Mr. Cruz was appointed the position of teaching assistant for the clarinet methods class (MTL-221). This position is reserved for incoming graduate students to which the school recognizes the teaching prowess of the individual. This opportunity has helped refine his teaching ability immensely. He is now accustomed to teaching a wide array of students and can tailor his teaching approach to accommodate for every students’ individual needs. Benjamin aims to influence the next generation of aspiring clarinetists.
Additionally, Mr. Cruz has maintained a private studio since 2017. He likes to keep his private studio limited in size to ensure each of his students receive the utmost quality attention. He can make accommodations to teach both in-person or online formats. He has taught students in the North-East and Mid-West regions of the United States. His students have been accepted to participate in all-state festivals as well as local youth orchestras in their respective area.
My Teaching Philosophy
Regardless of who you are and what your goals are, I am here to help you be successful. I treat all of my students the same and with the utmost respect to their desired aspirations. My students will be able to fully grasp and comprehend all of the material I teach them. They will be successful whether they continue to pursue music in their future or choose a different career path. I strive to instill valuable and intrinsic skills to all of my students that will aid their growth. These skills will apply to every professional work field and prove to be quite advantageous. Skills such as: dedication, perseverance, and patience will all help assist the student become a more diligent and confident individual. Therefore, my students will be able to lead and inspire the generation after them. Thus continuing the cycle of exceptional education and teaching.
I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach towards teaching. In fact, I find that style of teaching to be quite ineffective and limiting. Teaching concepts in a generic sense serves as a huge disservice to the art of music teaching and learning. I am thoroughly committed to being the best teacher I can be. One who will go above and beyond for each of his students. I promise not only to teach the concepts of what I have learned through my experience and education thus far, but also to ensure that each student will be cognizant of all of the material. I aim to teach all of my students according to their individual and specific goals. This way, each student will find the utmost success based on their own unique learning style and ultimately unlock their own hidden potential.
For me, teaching goes beyond music or the clarinet. More than anything else, I want my students to become independent thinkers. This way, they will always find success in their future.
Clarinet Resources for Private Lessons
Below is a list that entails some clarinet resources that I recommend for private lessons*
Elementary Method for Clarinet by Hal Leonard Rubank
Celebrated Method for the Clarinet by Hyacinth Klosé
24 Varied Scale and Exercises for Clarinet by J.B. Albert and edited by Julie DeRoche
The Working Clarinetist by Peter Hadcock
”Vade-Mecum” du Clarinettiste by Paul Jeanjean
17 Staccato Studies for Clarinet by Reginald Kell
Complete Method for Clarinet: Third Division by Carl Baermann
32 Etudes and 40 Studies for Clarinet by Cyrille Rose
48 Studies: For Clarinet, Book 1 (Edition Schott) by Alfred Uhl
Complete Method for the Clarinet, Book III by Gustave Langenus
*Technical skill denotes which texts I recommend