Biography
Durham has been teaching instrumental and vocal studies on a private level for nearly eight years. Wherein he has taught Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Euphonium, Percussion, Piano, and Voice to a vast array of students aged from young to young-at-heart and from beginner levels to advanced.
Durham attended Alderson-Broaddus University for Music Education, Musical Arts, and Music Performance with emphasis in Saxophone. He studied saxophone technique under several instructors and was mentored by Mrs. Heather Allen. During his studies at A-B, Durham performed with several ensembles including Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and various Woodwind Ensembles.
Durham was a Drum Major for Effingham High School Band his senior year. During this time he also assisted in teaching the Fifth Grade band program in Effingham where he taught Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion alongside Ms. Chris Lange and Mr. Brad Wallace. During his schooling in Effingham, Durham received three awards for “Musical Excellence” and was selected to participate in a prestige ensemble for the State of Illinois known as the Illinois Ambassadors of Music with which he performed abroad throughout the European continent in Concert Band and Concert Choir in the year of 2004.
Recommendations
"I have worked with Jay in a variety of musical settings which include full band rehearsals (grades 5-12), smaller sectional groups/lessons, and directing high school musical productions. In each of these settings I have been impressed with Jay's expertise on a variety of instruments and musical knowledge as well as his professional demeanor with the students. In witnessing his interactions with the students it is evident that he has a true passion and devotion to the world of music."
~ Mrs. Jessica Closson
K-3 General Music Teacher
Williams Elementary, Mattoon, IL
“During his Senior year of High School, Jay assisted the Instrumental Music Directors of Effingham with the Fifth Grade woodwind / brass / percussion students, as well as, giving private lessons outside of school time. We were very pleased with Jay's ability to teach music lessons and his intuitiveness for assessing and finding solutions for individual children's problems. All of the musicians who worked with Mr. Durham developed tremendous respect for his knowledge, handling of different instrument situations, and his expectations for each of their progress. Jay could be firm and fun, adapting materials to individual levels of performance as well as driving toward higher levels of achievability. He is an excellent instrumental teacher!”
~ Ms. Chris Lange
Retired Director of Bands
Effingham Junior High School, Effingham, IL
“Jay Durham is an excellent musician and teacher. He has experience and ability in voice and in a variety of band instruments and piano. He has a deep love of music and good working knowledge of styles and theory. He is able to communicate with students and relate to them very well. For my classroom, he has been a great resource and has been able to help with my band students.”
~ Mrs. April Noel
Music Teacher, Band Director, & Choral Director
Kansas School System, Kansas, IL
"Mr. Jay Durham is an excellent music teacher. He has the passion, drive, and experience to help any student succeed. In addition, his background on many different instruments allows him to help students at all levels of playing ability. I highly recommend private music study with Mr. Jay Durham!"
~ Mr. Brad Wallace
Director of Bands
Parkway West High School, Ballwin, MO