Stanley Drucker
Stanley Drucker was my teacher at the Juilliard School. He was principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic for 49 years and a member of the orchestra for 61 years. Words are inadequate to express the impact he has had on my life and career. His teaching focused on finding one’s own voice, the art of performing, paying close attention to details, with a strong emphasis on maintaining an inner rhythmic pulse. His amazing knowledge and instruction of orchestral and solo repertoire was always inspirational and motivated me to continually reach higher in all aspects of artistry and musicianship.
Jerome Stowell and Walter Wollwage
Jerome Stowell was Assistant Principal and E-flat clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Jerry was a very fine teacher who introduced me to Baermann and Rose, and launched me on my journey into the masterworks of the solo repertoire.
Walter Wollwage was the Second Clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Wally was a skilled and devoted teacher who taught me so many essential concepts including the importance of daily scale practice. He introduced me to orchestral excerpts, transposition, and prepared me well for my college auditions.
Robert Bloom
Oboist Robert Bloom was a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, NBC Symphony, and Bach Aria Group. I was fortunate to be in his chamber music class at Juilliard where we performed all of the great wind serenades under his expert direction. I learned so much about artistry from Mr. Bloom as well as the importance of using your wind properly and efficiently for maximum tonal beauty.
John Moses
John Moses is New York City’s leading freelance and recording clarinetist and has performed with virtually every musical group in the area. He has been a member of the orchestra for 26 Broadway shows and a featured soloist for television and motion picture soundtracks. I was so very fortunate to study with John at the Aspen Music Festival. He was an inspirational teacher and mentor whose knowledge of fundamentals, performance techniques, and all genres of music was revelatory for me. John also taught me about reed adjustment and how to prepare meticulously for both performances and auditions.
Samuel Meron
Samuel Meron was on the faculty of the Chicago Conservatory College, Band Director at Tuley High School, and a free-lance woodwind performer. He was my first teacher and started me from the very beginning. His patient and knowledgeable instruction of the fundamentals planted the seeds for my unencumbered progress. Through the sharing of his expertise, Sam allowed me to develop a solid foundation which I could build upon for decades to come.
Donald McGlothlin
Donald McGlothlin is Professor and Dean Emeritus at the University of Florida College of the Arts. He is a distinguished clarinetist and also served as clarinet professor and music department chair at the University of Missouri. Don has had a profound influence on my life and academic career, and guided me to become an informed and successful professor.
Harvey Estrin
My father, Harvey Estrin, was a brilliant woodwind instrumentalist and a consummate professional. His influence on me was profound in all stages of my musical development. He provided many valuable playing insights, taught me about the music business, and was a role model on how to be a successful professional musician.
