Clarinet Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I currently teach students at Westmont Junior High, Westmont High School, Downers Grove South High School, and at all Lincoln-Way High Schools. I love helping my students grow their confidence and motivation, showing them what a little bit of effort and some passion can accomplish! Encouraging practice habits that promote mental and physical health is at the core of teaching style. I want my students to have fun while they learn, and surprise themselves at how far they can come! Read More

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: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I always ask my students what they want to learn; I then fit the program to their needs.  If they want to be a rock lead player, than we learn the scales, theory, techniques needed.  If they want to play finger picked folk music, then we focus on those techniques and songs.  I always recommend a strong background in theory and reading but I introduce it when the student is ready for it.  Nothing is learned in a vacumn.  There is always a purpose to anything I teach. 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been consistently teaching students since I was in high school back in the early 90's. I always love teaching people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities because it makes it more interesting for me! I have taught elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and adult music lessons and will have no trouble taking you where you need to go musically if you choose to take lessons with me. 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