Clarinet Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching style revolves around the student and their needs. I encourage all my students to take charge of their lessons by asking them to develop questions throughout the week, prioritize what music we focus on, and tune into their own weaknesses and strengths. While I will guide them along the way, I want my students to gain the confidence to make decisions for themselves. At the end of each lesson, I will often have my students establish their own goals and create a plan to effectively execute them. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

At home during the summers, I was a clarinet instructor at Lyons Township High School’s summer band programs for junior high students. When I moved to Chicago in 2015 to begin my graduate studies at DePaul, I continued teaching through Musika and DePaul’s Community Music Division. I’m currently preparing to begin my third year on faculty at The People’s Music School, where I teach private lessons, group classes, music theory, and chamber music to students ranging from elementary beginners to advanced high schoolers at multiple sites throughout Chicago. 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

Through those years, I made sure to always keep my door open to anyone who was seeking advice about music. While in my undergrad, I also had summers of teaching marching band and being a camp counselor. These experiences equipped me to not only educate kids musically but to mentor them as a role model in life. I have always taken advantage of an opportunity to learn and I feel as though I am able to instill that into my students when I work with them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More