Clarinet Lessons in Echo Lake, IL

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I have been a band director for several years teaching elementary, middle school and high school students. I have taught beginner and intermediate group piano and private piano lessons for 7 years. I have taught private brass lessons of a wide range of ages and abilities since 2008. I have taught ages of elementary school through adult. I have found that fundamentals are the key to success at every age. Through quickly identifying strengths and weaknesses, and catering to ambitions and desires, my students experience a fun and inspirational learning environment. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I incorporate solo music or duets at every stage of development so students can practice applying the fundamentals to real repertoire. I always ask students what genres they like to play or what their musical interests are so that I can find music that is engaging, exciting, and level-appropriate for them. My beginners normally start with selections out of Hal Leonard’s “Essential Elements” series before transitioning into more advanced etude books or solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

Finding the starting place for any student is important, regardless of age. As a child of an adult learner who took lessons in guitar and voice, I understand the distinction between adult and younger learners. The pacing, goal setting and choice of materials and resources is important to keep interest and spark inspiration to practice and maintain growth. I strive to make sure each person gets an experience crafted and prepared for them through gauging interests, setting realistic goals and being aware of what kind fo time commitment they have to meet their goals. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

As a teacher, I am most interested in helping students develop solid fundamental technique while discovering the joy of playing and mastering an instrument. I am very flexible in the use of method books, prefering to discover the individual needs of my students and tailoring instruction and materials to each individual. My teaching stresses the fundamental operation of the instrument (use of air, embouchure, posture, and hand placement) in order to unlock the student's full potential. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

As I said earlier I tend to use the Rubank and Essential Element books in lessons. I start with seeing what the students goals are and making a goal sheet. For instance if a student is interested in Musicals. We will start with our basic warm up and techniques but on top of that I would assign an excerpt from a musical that correlates with the current lesson. So that way the student is working toward their goal and having fun doing so. Read More

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