Structure

It always makes a teacher proud when their students are successful in this very competitive musical environment we find ourselves in these days. Through hard work and a great deal of perseverance, many of my former students now occupy important positions in orchestras (New World Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Honolulu Symphony, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic), military bands (US Marine Band, US Army Field Band, US Air Force Band, US Navy Band, US Coast Guard Band) and universities (Ithaca College, DePauw University, New Mexico State University, Columbus College, Texas Tech University, Tennessee Tech University, Middle Tennessee University, Bluffton College, Wells Cathedral School, Arizona State University).

Recent students have been semi-finalists and prize-winners in the Pittsburgh Concert Society Competition, Philadelphia Young Artist Competition, WAMSO (Women’s Auxiliary of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra) Competition, Buffet North American Solo Competition and the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition.

Philosophy of Teaching:
I feel it is a great honor to be teaching at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. The School has a stellar history of producing several generations of superb instrumentalists, singers, pianists, conductors and composers, and it enjoys a highly-respected, world-wide reputation for the quality of its programs.
In order for me to draw the highest quality clarinet students to my studio, it is essential that the school provide the highest level of chamber music and large ensemble opportunities, as well as challenging academic courses. I believe IU does all of these things very successfully.

What is the size of my studio?
My studio usually contains 17 to 20 students, half undergraduates and half graduate students. About one-third of these students are from abroad, the rest coming from all parts of the US. The students range in age from 17-year old freshmen to late 20-something professionals seeking advanced degrees and/or performance diplomas. In addition to the private, group and master class settings, I also conduct the IU Clarinet Choir and teach a one-semester Clarinet Pedagogy course every Spring Semester. On average, about one third of my students graduate in any given year, creating room for new students.

Lesson structure:
At present I am utilizing a system combining private lessons and group lessons (3 to 4 students in each). This innovative, flexible and highly successful structure has resulted in a much faster growth rate in my students, and it allows me to cover more of the bases (and with more fun) than in the traditional private lesson format only. In two-hour group lessons with students of matched ability, we work on technique, articulation, etudes, transposition, ear training (chord progressions and melodies in all keys), sight-reading and literature. Since all of the students will be doing some teaching in their professional careers, I also use the group lessons to help develop their evaluation and communication skills about clarinet technical and musical problems. The group lessons also help students conquer their anxiety of playing in public. One unexpected, yet tremendously helpful, benefit of the group lessons has been the development of a fine camaraderie and mutual support among the group members.

Lesson materials:
My philosophy about what literature to use with students is a simple one: clarinetists are blessed with an extraordinarily large, high-quality repertoire, so let’s use as much of it as we possible can. That means we will certainly do the chestnuts of the repertoire, but also spend a considerable amount of time in lesser-traveled music. I think it is important to balance out a student’s solo repertoire (as an example) by stylistic period, character, level of difficulty and country of origin. I try to have no two students playing the same piece at the same time; this invites improper comparisons between the student--and bores the teacher! All my students work from the extensive curriculum to be found in my book, The Clarinet Doctor, available from Woodwindiana, Inc. (www.woodwindiana.com)

Visiting the IU campus and taking a lesson:
I think it is very important that prospective students, interested in my studio and the Indiana University School of Music, visit the Bloomington campus 9 to 12 months before they hope to enroll. With daily tours of our facilities/rehearsals/classes (available from our Music Admissions Office at 10 a.m., Monday through Friday), you can gain a feeling for the special environment of the IU campus--which simply cannot be experienced through any catalog. Hopefully you will also contact me for a "get acquainted" lesson during your visit, at which we can discuss your clarinet skills and career goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at hklug@indiana.edu

Preparation for college:
For those high school students who are contemplating music as a career, it is essential that you be practicing 2 to 3 hours a day in the couple of years before you attend college, and that you obtain the best clarinet instruction possible. Wherever you live, seek out the best clarinetist in your area for lessons, and be prepared to travel some distance in any direction to find this teacher. There is no substitute for lessons with a high-quality professional, someone you can emulate, and someone who will mentor you through this critical time.