Instructor
Joined in
2014

Dr. Thomas Durante

Instructor

Teaches Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute

Interested in taking lessons with Dr. Thomas Durante

Teaches at:
Specialties / Genres Taught

Classical, Jazz

Areas of Instruction

Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute

Education

Bachelor of Music Music Education, North Texas State University, Master of Music Music Education, Texas A&M University, Ph.D University of Utah

Teaching Experience

Over 30 years

About Dr. Thomas Durante

I'm a native of Brooklyn, New York, I spent my elementary, middle and high school years moving around the US. As a graduate of Richardson High School in Dallas, Texas, it was an easy choice for me to attend the University of North Texas in Denton.  After receiving my Bachelors’ Degree from UNT, I taught elementary, middle and high schools in Pilot Point, Texas and Corsicana, Texas.  Upon completion of my Masters of Music Degree from Texas A&M University- Commerce, I moved to Idaho to direct the Pocatello High School band, eventually becoming the music supervisor of the school system.  The move to Salt Lake City in 1994 to work on my Ph.D. and to teach at the University of Utah was almost as exhilarating as the birth of my first son (Adam)! 

Moving to the East Coast in 1997 I became a spokesperson for Arts Education.  In 1999 I testified on behalf of the importance on the Arts before the Senate Committee on Health, Labor and Education. 

 

I mention all these things because I truly believe you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.  A good friend of mine is famous for saying "it’s not what you say BUT it's what you DO."  Success therefore is NOTHING more than DOING what you say you’re going to do.  

Today, I truly am blessed doing what I love to do.  I’m grateful to teach motivated children surrounded by a world-class teaching staff and a VERY supportive administration.  Children come to school ready to learn and the words ‘failure’ and 'can't' doesn’t exist. Because all humans make mistakes we should view them as opportunities for growth. The best thing about mistakes is that you get to fix them!  In music it's called practice! 
Oxon Hill Music & Arts 301-686-0406 Oxon Hill MD