Thomas S
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Synthesizer, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk, Electronic, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Thomas S
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Synthesizer, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk, Electronic, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
2025 - ICA Bass Clarinet Enthusiast Competition Finalist
2022 - King's Peak International Music Competition Winner
2021 - Illinois State Concerto Competition Winner
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. He also performs as a freelance musician and private music teacher based between Chicago and New York. He actively premieres new contemporary works, performs with local theaters, and plays with his jazz groups.
Tommy has been teaching since 2017. He has taught in both one-on-one and group lessons for students of all ages. Tommy has taught flute, clarinet, saxophone, and theory lessons to both beginning students and at the collegiate level. Tommy also performs with many different ensembles across a wide variety of genres. Tommy is 3rd/Bass Clarinetist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, runs the Delicious Bass Bass Clarinet Choir, runs the Elite Four Jazz Band, and is a reoccurring performer with the Oswego Chamber Musicians.
For beginning students, we begin with learning how to read music and go over the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. Then, we will go through the Rubank Elementary Methods books while including scales and practice techniques. We will also take time to listen to other instrumentalists and discover what concept of sound is best for you. For advanced students, we will start with fundamental reinforcement through scales, exercises, and sight-reading. We will also work on solo repertoire for your instrument, as well as identifying your musical goals.
My goal as a teacher is to help you reach your own goals. Whether that be trying to make a career of music, or wanting to enrich your life with new skills, nothing brings me more satisfaction than to help others reach their goals. I also hope to provide my students with a community, as that is another vital aspect of music. I believe that it is important for my students to be performing and sharing the wonderful music they create with others. Finally, the most important part is to enjoy the music, and the process of improving.
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