Clarinet Lessons in Forest Lake, 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 Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

My teaching methods vary greatly for every student. I'll approach all of my first lessons the same. I asses your playing and discuss your goals. Next we work on a plan to help you achieve your goals. I've keenly aware that everyone has different learning styles and aim to discover every student's style so that I can most effectively teach them. All of our lessons will focus on the fundamentals of good music making - tone, rhythm, time, pitch, musicality, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching during my years as an undergraduate. I have worked with private students of a wide variety of ages. I have focused on sound production, saxophone technique, ear training, music theory, and repertoire in lessons. I keep an open mind as a teacher and do not try to push students into playing music that they are not interested in. Rather, I encourage the students to follow their own musical interests and draw upon my own musical background to help them play the music to the best of their ability. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I am also experienced in online teaching and lessons, having taught music classes online through my district. I also maintain a busy adjudication schedule for solo and ensemble music, which has opened me to other pieces, ensembles and instruments. A seasoned drum corps performer and teacher, I have an extensive background in the marching musical arts. Many of my ensembles as both a performer and educator have been state ranked, rated high or awarded championship status based on their preparation and experience. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

For the past 20 years, I've studied and performed with keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments while exploring a very wide variety of music ranging from classical and rock to jazz and avant-garde. Expanding and sharing that knowledge with other people in a helpful and friendly manner is something that I consummately enjoy- especially if they're beginning where I once was. My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from DePaul University, and I've been working on my Music Education Certificate at UMSL since August 2014. Read More