The University of Oregon Clarinet Studio
I serve as Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance and as Artistic Director of the Oregon Clarinet Symposium. At UO, we offer undergraduate (BA, BMME, BM) and graduate (MM, DMA, Certificate) degrees to students from around the world. Our vibrant clarinet studio typically includes about 20 majors, along with several non-majors, creating a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment while pursuing the highest levels of artistry and helping each student realize their fullest potential. To learn more about our program, please visit the links below or contact me directly with questions about scholarship auditions and Graduate Employee (GE) opportunities.
my teaching philosophy
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In an age shaped by technological innovation and the rise of AI, music endures as an essential and irreplaceable form of human connection. I view clarinet performance, at its highest level, not only as an artistic pursuit but also as one of the most intimate forms of human communication. This belief shapes my teaching philosophy: our craft is not pursued for its own sake or for technical perfection alone, but as a means to connect deeply, to inspire, and to transform.
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My pedagogical approach for the instrumental playing itself is systematic and highly methodical. I isolate the fundamental elements of clarinet playing—air, fingers, and articulation—helping students gain mastery of each before seamlessly integrating them. A rigorous etude sequence, paired with a comprehensive repertoire curriculum, provides students with the technical foundation and stylistic versatility, preparing them to excel in diverse musical contexts. Technical mastery, however, is always in service of expression. I emphasize phrasing, nuance, and tone as essential vehicles for artistry.
Equally important is cultivating students’ own interpretive voices. Unlike the mechanical aspects of the instrumental playing, I encourage each student to approach the score with intuition, analysis, and imagination, ultimately arriving at a personal yet informed interpretation. My goal is to foster independent artists who are capable of making thoughtful, individual musical choices grounded in a deep respect for the composer’s intent.
Chamber music holds a central place in my teaching philosophy. Students learn how to mindfully listen during the collaboration with peers, nurturing flexibility and developing the ensemble sensitivity that is essential for any professional musician. I also prepare students for the evolving demands of the profession by encouraging versatility such as facility on auxiliary instruments, engagement with new music, intercultural collaboration, and entrepreneurial skills that extend beyond performance.
Ultimately, I aim to create a studio environment that is both rigorous and inspiring—one that attracts the most passionate talent and equips students not only for traditional career paths but also for innovative and forward-looking artistic endeavors. By combining a strong technical foundation with intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and creative vision, I strive to prepare the next generation of clarinetists that can both thrive and transform the future of music.
I am frequently invited as a guest teacher and visiting professor at leading institutions worldwide, including the Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Tokyo University of Fine Arts, and the Korean National University of Arts. I have also presented master classes, clinics, and residencies at more than 150 universities, conservatories, festivals, academies, and regional, national, and international conferences.
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General Lectures
As a clarinetist, I enjoy delivering lectures that explore the connections between musicianship and broader concepts of artistry and expression, helping audiences deepen their understanding of music beyond the written notes. (Lowell Lecture Hall, Harvard University)

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Advanced Seminars
I lead seminars on new music performance for composers, providing practical insights into instrumental techniques, collaborative processes, and the performer’s perspective in bringing new works to life. (Graduate Composition Seminar, Princeton University)

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Speaking and Media
I enjoy exploring music in relation to cultural, social, and broader societal issues, and I frequently contribute to interviews on radio, podcasts, and in documentaries. Through these conversations, I aim to deepen public appreciation of music and illuminate its relevance in today’s world.
