Clarinet Lessons in Elmhurst, IL

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginning students, I focus on creating great tone quality and establishing excellent practice habits. I typically recommend the Rubank Elementary Method for beginners, but many students have to purchase other texts such as Accent on Achievement or the Hal Leonard Essential Elements for their beginning band class. In any case, these will also work for beginning lessons! I also start students on scales right away, with beginning students working on tetrachords (4 note patterns) that we develop into scales by combining two tetrachords into a single scale. 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: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and focused on what the student wants to learn, by quickly getting them to play the music they want to they are motivated to practice.  It should be enjoyable first and foremost.  For those that aspire to be professionals, I make sure the student understands the dedication and discipline necessary to achieve their goals. No two students are alike in terms of the goals they have or the method of teaching that will be the most effective for them. Read More

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

Dan M is a freelance musician and private lesson instructor in the Chicago area. Born in the Chicago suburbs, Dan graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance, and traveled to Colorado where he earned a Master of Music in trombone performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder. As an active musician, he has performed on trombone, and euphonium in many musical groups ranging form wind ensembles and orchestras to brass quintets and other chamber groups. Read More