Clarinet Lessons in Blue Island, IL

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching guitar, electric bass, and woodwinds for over 30 years.  I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.  I have performed all over the Chicago area in a variety of Rock, Americana, Country, Folk, Blues, and Celtic ensembles.  I write original songs and compose music for dance and film. Some of the bands I have been in include; The Flynn Brothers Blues Band, Small World, Honeysuckle Road, Body Parts, Al Day and the Victors, and I have also performed with Bo Diddley as his bass player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

For the past 20 years, I've studied and performed with keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments while exploring a very wide variety of music ranging from classical and rock to jazz and avant-garde. Expanding and sharing that knowledge with other people in a helpful and friendly manner is something that I consummately enjoy- especially if they're beginning where I once was. My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from DePaul University, and I've been working on my Music Education Certificate at UMSL since August 2014. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I always start out just seeing where each student is at in their music career, no matter the age. Every student is different and might need a different approach. I personally am big on fundamental skills, such as embouchure, hand position, tongue position, and articulation as these are all important foundations to build both skill and fun off of. However, I know some people are more focused on just having a good time playing, and might take a different approach with that kind of player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

I've taught private lessons to students of all ages for the last 10+ years. Additionally, I have taught at the middle school and high school levels. I've taught instrumental, vocal, and general music. I enjoy watching students progress in their studies. Most importantly, I enjoy watching students reflect upon their growth musically. I consider music to be a very important investment in a child's future. Many parents do not know that their children can earn college scholarship dollars for playing an instrument well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I believe it's important for them to begin playing the first day. I get the students to make their first sound and teach the technique and theory as they learn their instrument. For beginning voice students I use the same method, but I like to use a song that the student knows. For students with experience I like to have them play or sing something they know and I evaluate that and I will work with them on that song and build their technique. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching during my years as an undergraduate. I have worked with private students of a wide variety of ages. I have focused on sound production, saxophone technique, ear training, music theory, and repertoire in lessons. I keep an open mind as a teacher and do not try to push students into playing music that they are not interested in. Rather, I encourage the students to follow their own musical interests and draw upon my own musical background to help them play the music to the best of their ability. Read More