Clarinet: A musical instrument family belonging to the group known as the woodwind instruments. It has a single-reed mouthpiece, a straight cylindrical tube with an almost cylindrical bore, and a flared bell. A person who plays a clarinet is called a clarinetist. It is a great instrument for orchestras, jazz, blues or even popular music. Starting with the basics we will learn breathing and fingering techniques and how to read music. It won't be long before you are playing songs. As the student progresses theory and soloing will be taught if interested.

I offer lessons on clarinet as well as bass clarinet. I can prepare any student from beginner to advanced. Whether it's for school, competitions, home hobby or a even a dixieland band! I will help the student enhance their skills in technique, phrasing, expression and theory.

I have played clarinet for over 20 years. I studied clarinet with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra while studying music education at Temple University. I play professionally and enjoy teaching all levels of clarinet students! I frequently perform on clarinet and bass clarinet.

Gordon L. began playing music at a very early age but didn't begin to learn the saxophone until he was in fifth grade. Gordon's interest in music grew when he began to work sound systems for bluegrass bands and eventually he started to experiment more with music. Soon after he would pick up guitar which would spark his interest in further pursuing his playing of music. After he bought a guitar, Gordon would practice relentlessly, sometimes for as long as 12 hours a day. This passion for music allowed Gordon to go to a summer rock band camp in San Diego where he learned everything you need to know about touring, playing in a band, making a music video etc. When Gordon reached his senior year of high school he attended Perpich Center of the Performing arts in Golden Valley, Minnesota. While he was learned he took classes in ear training and music theory. He also took a Taiko drum class while he was at Perpich. Along with learning new musical concepts, Gordon also learned how the music business works which got him more interested in marketing the bands he performed in. Gordon also was able to take guitar lessons at Macphail in Minneapolis under the apprenticeship of James Allen. Gordon went on to Mesabi Range Community College where he received his Associates Degree. While there he played saxophone in the Community Band and guitar in bands he started himself. Gordon also took a banjo class, piano class and a music history class at Mesabi Range Community College. His main focus in the past years has been working with bands doing studio work, mini tours and CD production/marketing for those groups. After Community College, Gordon went to Evangel University in Missouri where he continued to study Guitar and Saxophone while picking up more woodwind and string instruments. Gordon took private guitar lessons and attended a Guitar Master Class at this college. He also attended Missouri State University where he learned about theory and composition. He also played Saxophone in the jazz band. While he attended school in Missouri he relentlessly continued to play in multiple groups live and recorded a Ska/Reggae CD (guitar and saxophone tracks) with the band Bringers of the Dawn. Gordon can fluently play and teach Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Clarinet, and Saxophone. Gordon is also willing to teach harmonica and banjo to those interested in learning. Gordon also has knowledge of several other cultural instruments with a background in piano lessons from high school and college. He got superior and excellent ratings at musical competitions for voice and saxophone in high school where he performed songs such as the Hungarian Dance #5 and Beautiful Dreamer. Gordon loves all genres of music and enjoys learning every style he can in order to improve his musical instruction. For the moment Gordon is pursuing songwriting particularly in the field of cultural music. Focusing on the students immediate musical needs, Gordon is able to encourage students to set goals in order to efficiently practice, concentrate and focus during the lesson time. Gordon is very patient with every student so that they refrain from becoming frustrated, overwhelmed or intimidated. Realizing the importance of music, Gordon makes sure that every student leaves each lesson having learned something new.

Clarinet lessons will be structured with a mix of assignments to help students improve their sound, technique, and musicality. Specific exercises and repertoire will be chosen based on the student's age and level. Students of any age are welcome to explore the clarinet in private lessons with me, whether they are preparing for specific auditions and performances, needing extra help for school, or just looking to have some fun!

Clarinet studies prepare students to advance in bands and ensembles. I improve embouchure and breathing support. I can provide coaching for performances and competitions.

I love to teach students of any level from beginner to advanced. I will explain in a clear, friendly, patient, straightforward, and step by step manner how to play the clarinet. The student's responsibility is to try to do what I recommend, both at the lessons and in regular practicing. If they do, they will steadily progress. Beginners will learn all fundamentals and learn simple melodies and scales. Advanced players can work on clarinet technique and repertoire including orchestral excerpts and major solo literature. I look forward to meeting you!

As a professional orchestral clarinetist and bass clarinetist, I am uniquely suited to help students master the basics of clarinet playing or to help more advanced students take their playing to new levels. I focus on building strong technique and broad musicianship that will serve learners of all ages and ability levels in any genre.