Clarinet Lessons in Itasca, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

As important as it is for me to help improve students technical ability and tone, I believe it is equally important for me to find ways to nurture students' creativity and passion for music. I believe it is very important for students to listen to a wide range of music, especially the type of music they are studying, in order to develop their awareness of style and nuance. I also encourage students to create their own exercises in addition to the ones I assign. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The approach, overall, is to drive toward the student's goal. When someone wants to learn how to play an instrument well enough to play in a band or orchestra, I usually consider two needs - playing music and interpreting written music. These are basic parts of education, literally easy to define by achieving pages in etude books. In addition, though, there is a third component to meeting the set goal: writing music - a sensibility that you can create. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I typically divide my lessons into quarters so that the first part is just scale work. The second part is scale patterns and technique. The third portion is prepared materials, and the final portion is listening. I bring an Ipod with close to 750,000 songs on it for kids to choose pieces featuring their own instruments for inspirational purposes. I find that listening can be just as informative as pressing down keys:) Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

I've taught private lessons to students of all ages for the last 10+ years. Additionally, I have taught at the middle school and high school levels. I've taught instrumental, vocal, and general music. I enjoy watching students progress in their studies. Most importantly, I enjoy watching students reflect upon their growth musically. I consider music to be a very important investment in a child's future. Many parents do not know that their children can earn college scholarship dollars for playing an instrument well. Read More

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