Clarinet Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

Beginning or advanced, all students require constant attention and care to their fundamentals. Scales, long tones, and articulation excercises should be addressed at every lesson, allowing a simple and clear opportunity to discuss these issues. Simultaneously, from the very beginning students should be given the chance to make music. No music, no excitement! It is important to maintain good communication with students about their hopes and desires for their art. 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: 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: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I am a passionate musician and teacher devoted to helping people of all ages find lifelong enrichment through music. I am a recent (May 2015) graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. While at Butler, I was a part of their Community Arts School dedicated solely to giving lessons to students in the Indianapolis area. I've had students in the past few years ranging from students just starting out on their instrument to those who have been playing a number of years. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

My teaching methods vary greatly for every student. I'll approach all of my first lessons the same. I asses your playing and discuss your goals. Next we work on a plan to help you achieve your goals. I've keenly aware that everyone has different learning styles and aim to discover every student's style so that I can most effectively teach them. All of our lessons will focus on the fundamentals of good music making - tone, rhythm, time, pitch, musicality, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I always ask my students what they want to learn; I then fit the program to their needs.  If they want to be a rock lead player, than we learn the scales, theory, techniques needed.  If they want to play finger picked folk music, then we focus on those techniques and songs.  I always recommend a strong background in theory and reading but I introduce it when the student is ready for it.  Nothing is learned in a vacumn.  There is always a purpose to anything I teach. Read More