Intro

Saxophone, clarinet, and other music lessons are now available in Perrysburg, Toledo and surrounding areas! Cory Kasprzyk is currently pursuing his doctorate at Bowling Green State University. An active musician, he is committed to educating musicians of all ages and abilities. Cory primarily teaches saxophone, but has also taught composition, music theory, flute, electric bass, hand bells and percussion at a variety of institutions.

Lessons are flexible and affordable. Auditioning for first chair in band or college auditions? Never played an instrument before, seasoned performer, or haven't played for decades? Each student, along with expectations and aspirations, brings an individual learning style. Rather than feed information to a student, Cory aids in the discovery of material so it is memorable, even once a student returns home. Additionally, while building technical facility is important, an understanding of the music itself also serves as an integral portion of Cory's teaching. Contact him now to learn more!

Thoughts from previous students and colleagues

"[Cory is] a wonderful, sensitive, patient teacher...."

"Cory takes great delight in helping students of all levels discover new concepts, improved techniques and greater heights of musicianship. Cory brings outstanding skills and credentials to the classroom that are only exceeded by his passion for the teacher/learner process and relationship."

About Cory

I am a composer, saxophonist, educator and a former faculty member of Morgan State University (MD) and Bluefield College (VA). Currently I teach at Bowling Green State University, where I am pursuing my doctorate, and throughout Northwest Ohio.

I have taught privately for over 15 years to students ages seven to 70. During this time I have served on the faculties of a variety of institutions, including the Fine Arts Association, Bluefield Community School of Music, Performing Arts Institute of Virginia, Ridenhour School of Music, Laurel School of Music, Music & Arts Center, Maryland Conservatory, Mitchellville Community School of Arts, Meyer Music and others. I have also served as a guest artist/clinician at various high schools and colleges, including a residency at Grand Valley State University (2006) and Cleveland State University's first annual Saxophest (2010).

As a musician, my performance credits include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Steinway Hall and various other venues throughout North America, England, The Netherlands and Belgium. I have studied with a number of wonderful musicians, including Kaija Saariaho, Alvin Lucier, Hans Tutschku, Tristan Murail and John Sampen. I obtained a Bachelor of Music from Grand Valley State University as well two Masters Degrees, obtained in two years, from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

I live with my wife Jessica, a music therapist, and our two cats. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, cooking, web design, and long distance running. Kasprzyk is pronounced kăsp-shick, but Cory is just fine.

For Parents

Parents, guardians and prospective students,
Private music lessons can be an invaluable experience regardless of how crucial a role music ultimately plays in one's life. Students can find music to be a means of self-expression, learn to think creatively, and learn self-discipline and diligence, developing skills used throughout life. Studies also show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests (e.g. SAT). "Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children's intellectual development."¹

The benefits are endless. With parental support, music lessons can become a truly enjoyable, worthwhile activity. Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions or to schedule a no-commitment trial lesson.

¹Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the Middle and Junior High School Years, U.S. Department of Education, 1997

For Educators

Band directors and fellow educators,
It is my intent to work with you. I have the upmost respect for band directors who take on the challenge of educating many young musicians of varying abilities at the same time. Providing individual private lessons can not only strengthen your ensemble's sound, but also the group's collective interest.

Without your support, students, and in turn, their parents will likely not consider the benefits of studying privately (or doing much with their instrument outside of the classroom). I appreciate you supporting my endeavors by encouraging your students and their families and by sharing this flyer.

I am happy to visit your school to provide a brief saxophone demonstration or masterclass. Please note that I am also available for booking guest presentations (e.g. What does a classical composer do?) or coaching smaller ensembles, sax quartets, etc. Contact me for details or additional materials.

Policies

The following information is intended for current students and their families. It is my hope that these policies cater to efficiency so quality instruction can occur - this is my primary goal.

Students are advised to show up early for their lesson so they can begin on time. Often, scheduling will not permit last minute arrangements. (Moving your lesson may affect other students/parents' schedules).
Lesson tuition of four or five weeks is accepted in monthly installments and must be paid by the first scheduled lesson of each month. Flexibility is possible, but if payment is not received by the second lesson of a month, lessons will discontinue until payment is received.
If you cannot make your regularly scheduled lesson time, inform the instructor as soon as possible to see if a make up lesson can be scheduled. All cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice to permit a make up lesson; phone or email is acceptable notice. Lower tuition can be paid at the beginning of a month if an absence is anticipated and the student is unable or does not desire a make up lesson.
No refunds will be issued for a student's unexcused absence; however, a credit will be issued for a teacher absence, inclimate weather, or similar circumstances. In the case of the latter, cancellation will be made by phone.
The instructor reserves the right to discontinue lessons or hold one's time slot upon extensive absence or delinquent payment.
As a courtesy, it is requested that you give two weeks notice to discontinue lessons.

Contact

The best way to contact me is through email. That said, if you need to contact me close to or during the time I am teaching, it may be safest to reach me on my cell phone.

crkasprzyk [at] gmail [dot] com

443.722.1158

Nota Bene [please note]