About Mr. Knecht
Mr. Knecht is from Cincinnati Ohio where
he earned a Bachelors Degree in Music from the University
of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Prior to enetering the conservatory, Mr. Knecht studied privatly with Richard Georing, a graduate of Yale School of Music, under the direction of Ben Verdery.
Mr. Knecht is trained in Classical Guitar and has been paying guitar for over 30 years. He has taught
privately for over 20 years, coached ensembles at The University
of Cincinnati, was the administrator for the Classical Guitar Summer
Workshop (an international event), and has lectured on the history
of the guitar. His guitar skills were easily transfered to traditional orchestra instruments including violin, viola, cello, and bass. Mr. Knecht often plays with his orchetsra students!
Mr. Knecht's vocal backbround education incudes extensive sight singing and performances with CCM's Chamber Singers, (an SATB choir consiting of 120+ members--required for all performance majors). Mr. Knecht is the co-author of the Scientific Approach to Singing...a maghod pioneered by Susan Neikamp, Jennofer Strode, and Mr. Knecht. This technique is the ONLY technique used exclusivly at Three Oaks Middle School.
Mr. Knecht moved to
Florida
in 1998. Since that time, he has
taught
privately,
was an Adjunct Professor of Guitar at Edison Community College,
private instructor
at the
Oxford School of Music, and currently
teaches
Orchestra (all grade
levels), Chorus (all grade levels), and Guitar (after school) at Three
Oaks Middle School. Mr. Knecht is an instructor for the Music Foundation
Summer Camps (Guitar, Strings), and the Estero High School Orchestra Director.
Mr. Knecht has developed a comprehensive music education
program at Three Oaks Middle School. His vision is simple: "Our kids
are worth whatever it takes." He continues to mentor and inspire his
students through music.
Professional Experience
- 2000-Present: Three Oaks Middle School,
Ft. Myers Florida
Director: Orchestra, Chorus, and Guitar
Reorganized entire program to produce a functional and positive learning
environment. Curriculum includes: theory, musicianship, performance skills,
technique, and
life skills such as teamwork and self-esteem. Created the following: advanced
after school Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra program, a level one guitar
class consisting of 36 students, a music technology lab consisting of aural
skills, note reading, pitch recognition software, a parent booster association-3COPA,
a website (www.3copa.com) and a quarterly newsletter. Students perform approximately
40 times per year. The Three Oaks Middle School Choirs and Orchestras have
earned
first place in national competitions and Superior and Excellent ratings at
State Music Performance Assessemnts.
- 2005-2006 Estero High School,
Ft. Myers Florida
Orchestra Director
- Music Foundation of Southwest
Florida Ft. Myers Florida
(Formerly known as the Jennifer Craig Memorial Fund Summer Music Camp)
- 2001-Present: Guitar Workshop Instructor
- 2004-Present: Intermediate Strings Workshop Instructor
- 2004-Present: Advanced Strings Workshop Instructor
- 1998-Present: Private Guitar Instructor,
Ft. Myers Florida
Currently teach select students beginning to advanced. Focusing
on musicianship skills, theory, ensemble skills, technique and
knowledge of equipment.
All string instruments.
- 1999-2001: Oxford School of Music, Ft.
Myers Florida
Instructor-Guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, electric bass, mandolin,
banjo, and beginning piano.
- 2001-2002: Edison Community College,
Ft. Myers Florida
Adjunct Professor, Guitar
- 1996-1998: Willis Music Inc., Cincinnati
Ohio
Private Instructor
Taught classical guitar, electric guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin,
violin and piano. Clientele consisted of fifty-five students
with an age range
of seven to eighty-two.
1992-1996: Private Classical Guitar Instructor,
Cincinnati Ohio,
1982-1996: Private Electric Guitar Instructor, Cincinnati
Ohio,
Taught several students beginning to advanced. Focused
on musicianship skills, theory, ensemble skills, technique
and
knowledge of
equipment. Assisted Personal
consultant in equipment selection. Assisted in the student’s
development as guitarists.
- University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory
of Music, Classical Guitar Summer Workshop Administrator,
Cincinnati Ohio
Completely revised and computerized all promotional
and support materials, assisted in managing daily functions,
and coached
and conducted several
ensemble groups
in preparation for performance during the workshop.
September 1994 to
May 1996--Editor and Publisher of the Cincinnati Classical
Guitar Society Newsletter,
Cincinnati Ohio
Compiled event lists for area performances and other
events. Completely computerized the entire operation.
Searched for
corporate sponsors.
Publish newsletter quarterly.
Participated in various ensembles and solo performances.
- July 1992 to July 1994 University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory
of Music, Classical Guitar Summer Workshop Assistant,
Cincinnati Ohio
Assisted in the organization of various functions
of the workshop.
Additional Accomplishments:
- Classical Guitar Ensemble: First
Chair from September 1994 to May 1996.
- Chamber Singers Ensemble
- Editor/Publisher of the Cincinnati Classical Society
Newsletter.
- 1994
20th
Anniversary Scholarship Winner. Sponsor: John Callahan, London England.
- 2007 All State Orchetsra Bass Adjudicator
Master classes:
David Tannebaum
David Liesner-Berkly College Southern California
Oscar Ghiglia-Italy
Adam Holtzman
Castellani-Andriaccio Duo
David Richter
Sharon Isban-Julliard School
Benjamin Verdery-Yale School of Music
Adam Holztman-University of Florida
Memberships:
Organizations:
- Lee County Unified Arts Council:
Orchestra Representative.
- Florida Orchestra
Association (FOA) Dristrict 18 Chair.
- Florida Vocal Association District (FVA) District 11
Coordinator.
The important stuff!!!!
Hobbies!!!!!
Fishing! Anytime and anywhere!!
Biking! Anytime and anywhere!!
Scuba! Anytime and anywhere...EXCEPT where alligators
are present!!!
Astronomy!
Movies!