Clarinet Lessons in Elk Grove Village, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

In my last semester at Butler, I student taught at Avon High School for band and Franklin Township Middle School East for choir. Responsibilities at the former included sole direction of Concert Percussion, intermediate Symphonic Band, and AP Music Theory, and at the latter 7th Grade General Music and 8th Grade Mixed Choir. While at Butler, I was also principal clarinetist of both the Butler Symphony and the Butler Ballet Orchestras, and at one point principal of the Wind Ensemble as well. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

for the beginner student, we will start off by going through things such as scales, arpeggios, and exercises to build a solid foundation. While doing this, I will have the student pick a song they like, whether it be pop, country, jazz, classical, and begin to learn it by ear to begin to develop solid aural recognition. Once the fundamentals are solid, we will move on to either working on a sonata or concerto or a transcription and a tune (depending on if you are a jazz student or classical). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I always held passionate teaching as the key to passionate artists. My teaching career began early, while I was still a university student, teaching privately. Later I was the Clarinet instructor at Carl Sandburg High School and A.A. Stagg High school. In Los Angeles I was again a private instructor, but also a faculty member at the Beverly Hills Conservatory of Music. The variety of students and locations provided valuable lessons in tailoring my teaching to the needs of student. 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

I work with all of my students on the fundamentals of clarinet playing - proper embouchure, good posture, strong air support, etc., and I’ve compiled a strong bank of exercises and warm-ups (some that I’ve written myself) that cover all the major areas of playing an instrument (tone, technique, articulation, rhythm, etc.). When a student has a good grasp of the basics, there is nothing they can’t play! 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