Clarinet Lessons in Norridge, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I have been teaching formally for the past 17 years in university, high school, and community music school settings. I have taught students at all levels of ability from highly diverse cultural backgrounds. The most exciting moment for me is when a student catches on to a new concept and overcomes a fear or limitation. I try to incorporate each student's outside interests into the study of music, relating everything from computer science, history, skateboarding, you-name-it to the practice of music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My method of teaching is based in the standard pedagogy of scales and chords(arpeggios). Those who are beginner and intermediate I usually start with the Rubank series of method books as well as easy to play popular tunes. For those who are at the advanced level I would teach out of the Baermann method book in addition to the Rose studies as well as Kroepsch, Jean-Jean, and Rode. We could also try working on any of the clarinet concertos and sonatas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

For example, in a typical band situation, students are striving to learn a new piece of music. In order for this learning to take place, a students mental process requires a great deal of concentration to facilitate the level of discipline to achieve the goal of learning the piece. The students must be able to internalize and decode written notation, observe special instructions such as dynamics, meter changes, articulation changes, and navigation through technical difficulties on an external instrument. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

As I said earlier I tend to use the Rubank and Essential Element books in lessons. I start with seeing what the students goals are and making a goal sheet. For instance if a student is interested in Musicals. We will start with our basic warm up and techniques but on top of that I would assign an excerpt from a musical that correlates with the current lesson. So that way the student is working toward their goal and having fun doing so. 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 Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I have been a band director for several years teaching elementary, middle school and high school students. I have taught beginner and intermediate group piano and private piano lessons for 7 years. I have taught private brass lessons of a wide range of ages and abilities since 2008. I have taught ages of elementary school through adult. I have found that fundamentals are the key to success at every age. Through quickly identifying strengths and weaknesses, and catering to ambitions and desires, my students experience a fun and inspirational learning environment. Read More