Clarinet Lessons in Chicago, IL

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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The approach, overall, is to drive toward the student's goal. When someone wants to learn how to play an instrument well enough to play in a band or orchestra, I usually consider two needs - playing music and interpreting written music. These are basic parts of education, literally easy to define by achieving pages in etude books. In addition, though, there is a third component to meeting the set goal: writing music - a sensibility that you can create. 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: 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

My number one rule when teaching students about music is to HAVE FUN. Music is meant to be fun and bring joy to people. While in lessons, we will learn about scales and arpeggios and work through exercises. And, believe it or not, I have got some ways to make those fun! Depending on if you want to study classical music or jazz, we might study a sonata or transcribe a solo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Fiddle

Educators must be well educated, and they also must know how to educate others. Being very attentive to the needs of students through observation is a skill that can be used later from observing every person you interact with to get better at reading how students feel. Interactions with people even outside of professional settings is a learning experience. Taking time to make someone smile is a new way to help someone's day be a little brighter. Read More