Clarinet Lessons in Cresthill, IL

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching private lessons since 1979.  There is no greater joy for me than to see  that spark of learning ignite and grow as my students discover that they can make music too.  I tailor my lessons to match the goals of the student.  Many of my students aspire to become professionals and others simply want to have fun with music.  Whatever the reason a student chooses to pick up an instrument and play, my ultimate goal is to make sure that they learn the music that will inspire them to play. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I began teaching people how to play instruments when I was in high school, by teaching new students to the band how to play percussion. I then continued teaching once in college by volunteering at local high schools helping new students to the band programs learn brass and percussion. From there I worked with the Rich South high school band director and the Jack Hille middle school band directors. Once I graduated college I taught choir and instrumental music for the catholic school system for two years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My methods are executed with one core value in mind: create a life long learner and lover of music. This means I establish the fundamentals of theory with beginning students and reinforce them with intermediate students. Before an instrument is played, the concepts of rhythm, note value, and scales must be approached in an engaging way. With collaboration over curriculum, I would work with the student to find his/her interests and inspiration, making the journey worthwhile and fun! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I have been teaching formally for the past 17 years in university, high school, and community music school settings. I have taught students at all levels of ability from highly diverse cultural backgrounds. The most exciting moment for me is when a student catches on to a new concept and overcomes a fear or limitation. I try to incorporate each student's outside interests into the study of music, relating everything from computer science, history, skateboarding, you-name-it to the practice of music. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I’ve enjoyed teaching the clarinet since I first decided to get serious about music in high school. I got my start by offering lessons to younger students in my neighborhood and the surrounding towns in the western suburbs of Chicago. During my undergraduate years in Greencastle, IN, I took several clarinet pedagogy classes and began teaching local students in the DePauw University Preparatory Program. In my junior year, I entered a 2-year apprenticeship with the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble where I worked with community partners to engage students in classical music performances and appreciation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

I strive to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the individual student. For students who are at a beginning level, I often start with a reliable methods book (i.e. Piano Adventures) to lay a foundation. From there, I like to explore a range of supplementary materials that can help students work toward their personal goals and interests, such as modern/ other genres of music, composition material, technique-specific exercises, etc. Read More