Why I teach

My desire to teach is grounded in a passionate concern for human growth as well as a profound desire to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. I wish to share the daily wonder, intricacy, intensity, and joy that music brings to me. I am inspired and humbled by the amazing artist-teachers who have cared about my growth, and I am compelled to share with my students what these teachers have given to me, as well as my own discoveries from my personal journey as an artist.

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What I teach

• A strong technical and conceptual foundation through efficient and natural use of the body—including position, breathing, tone production, finger technique, articulation

• A comprehensive musical vocabulary of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements

• Fluency in the language of music through awareness and application of the structural components, materials, patterns, techniques, and styles/contexts of music and music-making

• Improvisation

• Musical independence through an ongoing exploration of challenges and solutions

• Technique as a tool for individual artistic expression

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Experience

I have taught clarinetists, chamber musicians, and theory students of every age and ability, and I have over 20 years of teaching experience at the collegiate level. My students have won numerous awards, competitions, scholarships, and have gone on to prestigious graduate programs in music. Since joining the faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1996, my teaching has earned significant recognition from students and colleagues, including the W. P. Roseman Award, UW-Whitewater’s highest honor for excellence in teaching, as well as multiple inclusions in Who's Who Among America's Teachers. I have also taught clarinet at the University of North Carolina–Greensboro, Rocky Ridge Music Center, and New England Music Camp.

 

Want to learn more? 

If you would like to meet for a lesson or to discuss your musical goals, please contact me here! 
 

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