Clarinet Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I believe that a music lesson should be simultaneously fun and informative. A typical lesson with me begins with some guided warm-ups centered around breathing and long tone exercises to get the student engaged with their instrument. Next, we go on to some technique work like scales or rhythm exercises. The largest chunk of the lesson is spent on repertoire - solo music, band music from school, or some duets between the student and myself. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

As important as it is for me to help improve students technical ability and tone, I believe it is equally important for me to find ways to nurture students' creativity and passion for music. I believe it is very important for students to listen to a wide range of music, especially the type of music they are studying, in order to develop their awareness of style and nuance. I also encourage students to create their own exercises in addition to the ones I assign. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am a dedicated and patient instructor with many years teaching experience in many different settings. For the past ten years I was professor of clarinet and music technology at Mansfield University in rural northern Pennsylvania. I have recently returned to my hometown of Chicago for family reasons and I'm looking forward to teaching private students again. I completed my doctorate in clarinet perfomance at the University of Arizona, working with Jerry Kirkbride (Dorian Wind Quintet), in 2004. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching guitar, electric bass, and woodwinds for over 30 years.  I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.  I have performed all over the Chicago area in a variety of Rock, Americana, Country, Folk, Blues, and Celtic ensembles.  I write original songs and compose music for dance and film. Some of the bands I have been in include; The Flynn Brothers Blues Band, Small World, Honeysuckle Road, Body Parts, Al Day and the Victors, and I have also performed with Bo Diddley as his bass player. Read More

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: 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm a professional musician and educator who has lived in Chicagoland with my wife and two boys for the last 18 years. I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio and received my BM from Capital University there. From there I was Music Director for one of Royal Caribbean's ships and then I made the move to Chicago in mid-1996. From then until now I have become one of the top/first call saxophonist/woodwind musicians in the city of Chicago and have performed all over the world with musical lumaries such as Aretha Franklin, The OJays, Brian McKnight, Diana Ross, Al Jarreau, The Temps and dozens of others! Read More