Woodwinds

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Browse Instructors By Instrument Below

FLUTE, CLARINET & SAXOPHONE LESSONS
The woodwind family has been around for centuries. Not too long ago, archaeologists dug up a flute that was over 30,000 years old. The clarinet as a reed instrument dates back to the Middle Ages, while the saxophone, as the youngest of the woodwinds, is a mere 160 years old. All of these instruments appear in a wide variety of genres including classical, rock, jazz and folk.

At Madison Music Foundry we have a selection of great instructors who give lessons on flute, clarinet and saxophone--and in virtually any style that interests you. Instruction is available for all ages and levels at a time that's convenient for you.

Laurie Dunston

Laurie Dunston

PIANO, VOICE

Laurie is a recent transplant to Madison, moving here from Virginia. Her childhood curiosity of language led her to study both English and vocal music at the undergraduate level. She received a Bachelors in English and Music from Pacific Union College in California. Her graduate work was done in Vocal Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College in Princeton.

Her teaching career has spanned the gamut of English, ESL, choir, and drama at the K-12 and community college levels. In addition to her teaching career, Laurie has served as Director of Music for two Episcopal church communities and has also been part of Campus Ministries and Liturgical teams as part of her teaching duties. She has conducted, sung, enjoyed various cuisines around the world, and is always looking for reasons to use her passport.

Laurie’s main teaching philosophy for any subject is that learning is a joyful process. To facilitate that belief, her teaching style is eclectic, humorous, and individualized. She believes in teaching each student in the best manner suited to them. She adapts each session to fit with the student’s goals and learning styles.

Jim Gerbig

Jim Gerbig

GUITAR, ELECTRIC BASS, BRASS, WOODWINDS

Jim holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and has worked with all levels of Brass and Woodwind students since 1982. In addition, he has been a private studio guitar and bass guitar teacher since 1977. Equally at home playing Rock, Jazz, and Fusion styles, he especially enjoys helping rock guitarists make the transition to playing in their school jazz ensemble.

He has coached hundreds of band students to Superior and Excellent ratings in Solo/Ensemble performances, from individuals and small ensembles to full jazz band and concert band events. In addition, he has worked with students on all instruments to improve their improvisational skills and working knowledge of Music Theory.

With over 30 years of studio teaching experience, Jim prides himself on finding the right approach to guide any student in realizing their potential, on whatever their instrument of choice. Full Bio (pdf)

Evan Mitchell

Evan Mitchell

VOICE, PIANO, SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, TRUMPET

Evan Mitchell has been teaching voice, piano, and instrument lessons to students of all ages, varieties, and styles for the past 9 years.  He is a graduate of Luther College and McGill University, where he has advanced degrees in Music Performance.  He has performed both classical and pop music throughout the United States and Canada as a recitalist, lead singer, chorister, accompanist, and director.  He has taught at the college level, specializing in music history, performance, and literacy courses, as well has holding his own private studio.  In addition to 19th century French opera and Cole Porter standards, Evan holds a deep interest for novelty and humorous songs- be sure to ask him what that means, and he will be sure to give you some great music to listen and sing to that will be sure to make you laugh!

Pete Ross

Pete Ross

SAXOPHONE, CLARINET

Pete is a Wisconsin native and has been active as both a saxophone performer and teacher for the past twelve years. He attended the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where he studied jazz saxophone and improvisation with Donald Walden and classical saxophone technique and repertoire with Donald Sinta. He received a BFA in Jazz Studies on saxophone in 2003. He has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Michael Sullivan and has had the pleasure to perform with Madison area artists such as The Jimmys, the original funky drummer Clyde Stubblefield, the Madison Jazz Orchestra and the Madison Mellophonium Jazz Orchestra, among others. Pete can be heard on recordings with The Jimmys, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble and guitarist Bobby Messano.

Having been a private instructor in saxophone and clarinet since 1998, Pete has had the opportunity to work with students of all ages and skill levels. Pete stresses strong technique and fundamentals, while at the same time focusing on the interests and aptitudes of each individual student - be it jazz improvisation, classical repertoire, chamber music and ensemble playing, or theory and ear training.