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Clarinet

Overview

The goal of the clarinet studio is for all students to reach their potential as clarinetists and musicians regardless of their major. Playing clarinet well and musically is fun, fulfilling, and foundational for the future pursuit in music. The atmosphere in the clarinet studio at ISU is one of mutual support, friendship, and respect. All clarinet music majors receive personal instruction by either Dr. Gresham or Dr. Dervin.

Studio Details

  • Private Lessons

    Private lessons take place each week with the professor. In lessons, students work on developing proper technique in every aspect of clarinet playing (breath support, relaxation, finger technique, articulation, etc.) as well as on developing a musical mind and a musical approach to everything that is played. (We learn technique to play musically, not the other way around!) A lot of repertoire is covered in lessons, so be prepared to practice!

  • Master Class

    Master class meets weekly. During this time students perform for each other, presentations are given on various topics by the professor or guest artists, performances take place as larger clarinet ensembles, and more.

  • Techniques Class

    Techniques class for freshmen and sophomores meets weekly. This is an opportunity for intensive work in developing technique through scales, warm-ups, and various etudes and exercises.

  • Chamber Music

    Chamber music is highly encouraged at ISU. Each semester we form several woodwind quintets and other ensembles (including clarinet quartets and trios), which are coached weekly by faculty and graduate assistants.

Past Guest Artists

  • Michael Lowenstern

    Virtuoso bass clarinetist and composer

  • Bill Jackson

    Principal clarinet with Colorado Symphony, current faculty at Vanderbilt University, collaborative sponsorship between Illinois State University, the University of Illinois, and Millikin University

  • Julian Bliss

    British clarinet virtuoso

  • Charles Neidich

    Virtuoso, pedagogue, conductor, faculty of The Juilliard School

  • Eric Mandat

    Virtuoso, composer, Southern Illinois University faculty

  • Stephan Vermeersch

    Belgian clarinetist and pedagogue

  • Eric Ginsberg

    Western Illinois University

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