
What is Clarion?
Named for the Clarion register of the clarinet, which is the range where our instrument sounds its very best. Our goal is to hone your skills and knowledge to help you create YOUR best sound. Together we will explore some of the clarinet masterpieces as well as topics relating to auditions, ensemble performance, solo playing, career paths, and more.
ABOUT ME
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved music. Music has always had the power to transport us through powerful human emotions and create new connections to each other. It is a deeply powerful art that can transcend languages and time to touch the hearts and minds of all. I consider myself immensely lucky to be not only be able to be a part of such an art, but to share it with others.
My artistic journey has been a bit less conventional than others, but through it I learned the value of perseverance, self-discovery, and forging one’s own path. These values shine through in my students as well.
Through my time navigating the world of artistry, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many incredible musicians of all instruments, voice types, and backgrounds. However, as the years have gone on, fewer and fewer of those musicians have been able to sustain their artistry and many no longer make music at all. Many cited burnout, finances, and a generally toxic culture focused on a scarcity mindset as their reasons for walking away from musicianship and artistry.
But what if it does not have to be this way?
What if we can have fulfilling, lifelong artistry remain a part of our lives, regardless of whether it is our career or not?
This is my hope and goal for all students who come through my studio. I will use all the knowledge and techniques I have gained along my musical journey to help you become the best musician you can be with the skills to create health-centered, sustainable, fulfilling artistry.
I am first and foremost a clarinetist, but I have taken on many roles as a performer, composer, teacher, and coach. My work as a private teacher reflects the rich variety of experiences I have gained by performing as an instrumentalist and vocalist in bands, orchestras, choirs, theatre, chamber groups, and solo settings. I am based in Bakersfield, California and currently teach elementary band and orchestra in addition to teaching my private students. I am also an active performer in the area, performing regularly in band, choral, chamber, and orchestral settings. I received my Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Azusa Pacific University while studying with Jennifer Showalter and later received my Master’s in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. Other teachers I have studied with in both long and short terms include Kristin Nakagawa, Rob Patterson, Ron Samuels, Romie De Guise-Langlois, Alexander Fiterstein, and Cecilia Kang.
I firmly believe that every person has something unique to bring to the world through their art. Together, we can help develop your skills and hone that vision for sustainable, healthy artistry.