Levana v. Cohen DMA

Performing Artist and Educator | Bringing Joy to the Clarinet

teaching


teaching

Throughout my professional career, I have developed a well-rounded curriculum for the aspiring clarinetist that is based on a combination of current best practices and my own experience as a musician. By focusing on the needs of each student with regard to tone production, embouchure, breathing, posture, tonguing, rhythm, sight reading, and performance anxiety, I have been able to help them dramatically improve their technique.

I have found that students usually fall into three categories: students that learn best through critical listening and observation of modeled technique, students that learn best through verbal explanation and discussion of concepts and technique, and students that learn through a combination of modeled technique and verbal explanations. My teaching method meets each student at their current level and responds to their diverse learning styles and professional goals. Students are motivated through a combined acquisition of knowledge and achievement. Level appropriate assignments and expectations are given to students setting them up for success.

I teach phrasing and musical expression through my combined knowledge of music theory, and music history. The concept of sound and the development of musical style is not only taught through effective modeling during lessons, but through frequent concert attendance and listening to professional recordings. Further, students are encouraged to perform contemporary and traditional music celebrating a wide variety of genres, diverse cultural backgrounds, and music composed by women and minorities.

Like any other aspect of musical development, the growing musician must practice performing. My students benefit from my instruction, as well as interaction with their peers, as they are given the opportunity to perform in masterclasses and studio recitals.

My students often refer to me as part clarinet teacher and part life coach as our discussions often relate what we are doing in lessons to what lies ahead in life.This personal approach requires that I have a deep understanding for each students’ individual goals and aspirations as a musician.With that in mind, my students are very familiar with the concept of setting long-term and short-term goals.As a result, they end each semester, year, and graduate feeling accomplished and able to realize their goals and aspirations as a professional clarinetist.

Dr. Cohen is currently accepting new students of all ages and ability in the New York City and Long Island Areas. Please contact her to set up your lesson.


Studio Recital | Port Washington Public Library

"Levana's ability to connect with student musicians is as natural as her solo performances. She is a gifted musician, and a gem of a resource for the musicians in this community."

~ Mark Brenner, Schreiber High School Director of Bands Emeritus


Masterclass At SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music

events


2019

June 22nd | Dr. Cohen’s Studio recital

LIU Post | The Great Hall

May 24th | Astoria Symphony Orchestra | Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherezade

Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church | 152 West 66th Street, Manhattan

Rimsky-Korsakov's greatest masterpiece, Sheherezade, anchors this program, which includes music by Johannes Brahms and early 20th century French genius Lili Boulanger, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome.

April 6th | LIU Post Clarinet Fest

LIU Post | Hillwood Commons

Experience an entire day of clarinet!!  Brought to you by the LIU Post Department of Music and Vandoren. 8 participants will be chosen by audition to perform for University of Michigan Clarinet Professor and former second clarinetist of the Cleveland Orchestra, Daniel Gilbert.  All are invited to register for this event and participate in the clarinet choir reading sessions and body alignment workshop, observe each masterclass (including a Jazz clarinet workshop with renowned artist, Jeff Lederer), and try and or purchase the latest in new equipment at our vendor fair.

The following sponsors will be showcasing their products at the Fest:

2018

November 6th | Clarinet Clarity

Balanced Mind Conference | Molloy College, Rockville Center Long Island, NY

Experience Clarinet Clarity as Vandoren Regional Artist and Suffolk County Community College Clarinet Instructor, Dr. Levana Cohen explores pedagogical techniques that will offer practical solutions in articulation, tone development, air support, embouchure control, posture and equipment.  Participants will walk away with and a handout providing ways to address common problems found in students of all ages and abilities bringing your students and your band program to the next level. Participants are encouraged to bring their instruments as they will be given reed samples and the opportunity to try different mouthpieces, ligatures and reed set ups.

October 26th | Vandoren Clinic

Frank Carey High School | Frnklin Square, NY

June 24 | Dr. Cohen’s Spring Studio Recital

LIU Post | The Great Hall

April 22nd | The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York Clarinet Day with Anthony McGill and Michael Lowenstern

Landmark Theater | Port Washington, NY

Experience an entire day of clarinet!!  Brought to you by the The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, 8 participants will be chosen by audition to perform for New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinetist, Anthony McGill and bass clarinet guru, Michael Lowenstern.  All are invited to register for this event and participate in the clarinet choir reading session, observe each masterclass, and try and or purchase new equipment.  Wright Music will be on site selling merchandise.  Every registrant will recieve a Vandoren goodie bag! 

April 18th | Vandoren Clinic

Baldwin High School | Baldwin, NY

March 13th | Vandoren Clinic

Patchague Medford High School | Medford, NY

February 26th | Vandoren Clinic

Schreiber High School | Port Washington, NY

January 20th | Shlomo MIntz and Friends

Sands Point Preserve | Sands Point Long Island, NY

This Performance was recorded live at the Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point, NY as part of the Shlomo Mintz and Friends concert on January 20, 2018.

2017

December 7th | Weber Concertino

LIU Post Wind Symphony | Tilles Center Concert Hall

Enjoy an evening of beautiful band music with the LIU Post Wind Symphony. Levana will be featured as a guest soloist performing the Weber Concertino.

October 27 | Vandoren Clinic

Seneca Middle School | Holbrook, NY

September 26 | Vandoren Clinic

Seaford High School | Seaford, NY

November 7th | Clarinet Clarity

Balanced Mind Conference | Molloy College, Rockville Center Long Island, NY

Experience Clarinet Clarity as Vandoren Regional Artist and Suffolk County Community College Clarinet Instructor, Dr. Levana Cohen explores pedagogical techniques that will offer practical solutions in articulation, tone development, air support, embouchure control, posture and equipment.  Participants will walk away with and a handout providing ways to address common problems found in students of all ages and abilities bringing your students and your band program to the next level. Participants are encouraged to bring their instruments as they will be given reed samples and the opportunity to try different mouthpieces, ligatures and reed set ups.