Clarinet Lessons in Ford Heights, IL

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: 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 t find out what inspires the atudent, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. 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

Recently returned from Japan, I served as Co-Principal Clarinetist of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra since 2011. With 3 nationwide tours, I performed all over Japan, appearing regularly on the nationally televised program "Daimei no Nai Ongakukai" televised nationally. In 2010 I earned my Master of Music degree at the University of Southern California, studying with master teacher Yehuda Gilad. Orginally from Orland Park, I studied with my childhood idols in the Chicago Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

I typically answer questions with a question of my own. My goal is to always make the student THINK about what they're doing when making music - at all levels. There are few things as rewarding than seeing my students learn. I've learned that everyone enjoys learning new things and especially if it's a difficult idea to grasp. I strive to instill a thirst for knowledge in all of my students because this thirst drives musical growth! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching style revolves around the student and their needs. I encourage all my students to take charge of their lessons by asking them to develop questions throughout the week, prioritize what music we focus on, and tune into their own weaknesses and strengths. While I will guide them along the way, I want my students to gain the confidence to make decisions for themselves. At the end of each lesson, I will often have my students establish their own goals and create a plan to effectively execute them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More