Clarinet Lessons in Forest Park, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I incorporate solo music or duets at every stage of development so students can practice applying the fundamentals to real repertoire. I always ask students what genres they like to play or what their musical interests are so that I can find music that is engaging, exciting, and level-appropriate for them. My beginners normally start with selections out of Hal Leonard’s “Essential Elements” series before transitioning into more advanced etude books or solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginning students, I focus on creating great tone quality and establishing excellent practice habits. I typically recommend the Rubank Elementary Method for beginners, but many students have to purchase other texts such as Accent on Achievement or the Hal Leonard Essential Elements for their beginning band class. In any case, these will also work for beginning lessons! I also start students on scales right away, with beginning students working on tetrachords (4 note patterns) that we develop into scales by combining two tetrachords into a single scale. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy S. currently holds a master's degree in clarinet performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Mr. Charles Neidich. Tommy also holds his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, where he studied with Dr. David Gresham. Tommy has been a winner of the Illinois State University Concerto Competition, the King's Peak International Music Competition, and the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition. Tommy is currently 3rd/Bass Clarinet for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Read More

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

At this point in time I've been blessed with the opportunities to teach in both private one-on-one tutoring settings as well as with large groups of children through volunteering, student teaching and substitute teaching. It was through the summation of these experiences that I predicted- and have ultimately discovered- that I love being a music educator. The height of what fulfills me about being a music educator is the essence of the work: Exploration and nurturing for both the student and the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

My teaching experience dated back to my college days, as I began teaching wind ensembles. I have been invited to help coach over 20 bands in the Osaka area, many times helping them reach gold medals at competitions such as the All-Japan Band Competition. I have of course also participated as a band and wind ensemble member many times, including the Osaka Shion Wind Ensemble and the Japan Wind Ensemble. In addition to band coaching, I have been teaching students in my private studio. 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