Clarinet Lessons in Chicago, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Fiddle

The first band I have been in was when I was twelve years old, playing clarinet in my local bandshell. I have performed in a large variety of settings including the NIU Wind Symphony, NIU Wind Ensemble, NIU Chamber Group, NIU Huskie Marching Band, and NIU Sinfonia. I also played clarinet with the Kishwaukee Concert Band, DeKalb Municipal Bandshell, and was principal clarinetist and ringer of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love to see others excel in their unique gifts! I began piano as a little boy, but was discouraged from music lessons due to the teaching program. As I became older, I went from recorder, to saxophones, to improvisation, to piano, to singing, to flute, to basic wind instruments, eventually playing/composing/recording/touring with several of the most well-known of bands in the Southeastern Wisconsin area on vocals, saxophones, flute, and piano, as well as studying music at Carroll College. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching approach focuses primarily on tone production - I think this is the most important fundament to teach young students. I like to use the Hal Leonard Essential Elements or equivalent beginner book (Hovey, Rubank for clarinet) to start the student off, but as they become more advanced, it's important to introduce repertoire to them. I allow the student some individuality here - what kind of music would they like to play? Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

Finding the starting place for any student is important, regardless of age. As a child of an adult learner who took lessons in guitar and voice, I understand the distinction between adult and younger learners. The pacing, goal setting and choice of materials and resources is important to keep interest and spark inspiration to practice and maintain growth. I strive to make sure each person gets an experience crafted and prepared for them through gauging interests, setting realistic goals and being aware of what kind fo time commitment they have to meet their goals. Read More

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