“Prof. Estrin had a profound impact on my career. In addition to the knowledge he imparted, about clarinet history, repertoire study, and music performance, his mentorship was singular in allowing me to flourish professionally. In my time studying with him, I developed a love for learning, for performing, and was given many wonderful opportunities to travel and learn. He has been a strong supporter of me throughout my entire career, instilling confidence and providing me with valuable guidance. I am forever grateful that I attended the University of Florida and studied with Prof. Estrin, and for all he has done for me.”
Jackie Glazier, DM
Associate Professor
The University of Arizona
“Professor Estrin’s teaching had a lasting impact on me both musically and personally. His knowledge of orchestral repertoire is unmatched, but what stood out most was how much he genuinely cared about his students. He encouraged me to explore the music I was passionate about and helped me grow into my own voice. Prof. Estrin’s teaching always felt tailored to each individual’s needs. His mentorship truly set the foundation for my success in graduate school and professional music making.”
Sergeant First Class Mikey Arbulu
Clarinetist in the United States Army Field Band
“I had not played the clarinet for many years and during the Pandemic, Professor Estrin agreed to give me lessons over Zoom. Although I had studied almost 35 years ago, I had never taken a lesson with anybody of Professor Estrin’s level of instruction. His inspiration and encouragement have helped me rekindle my passion for playing the clarinet and now regularly perform as a soloist and with clarinet choirs and continue to take online lessons.”
Gary Winder
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Vandoren/Dansr
“Studying with Professor Estrin during my high school years remains one of the most influential experiences of my musical life. He created a supportive yet challenging environment that helped me grow both technically and musically, with a strong emphasis on tone, expression, and thoughtful interpretation. His teaching extended far beyond the instrument, shaping disciplined, confident musicians who approach music with curiosity and purpose. His mentorship left a lasting impression not only on my playing but also on my personal growth, instilling skills and values that have stayed with me ever since. These foundations have served me well throughout my orchestral and teaching careers, and I would not be where I am today without Professor Estrin’s guidance.”
Andrea Levine
Principal Clarinet, The Louisville Orchestra
Associate Professor of Music, Clarinet (Visiting)
Indiana University
“Studying clarinet with Prof. Estrin was arguably the most transformative part of my musical journey. I often say that when I first joined his studio at UF, I felt like a blank slate: built with basic clarinet foundations but in need of a large musical investment. Through his thoughtful planning, consistency, and high standards, he not only guided my development but inspired me to pursue a level of musicianship I previously hadn’t thought possible. Within my first semester of study, I grew from a basic high school player into a semi-professional musician, earning positions in the university’s top ensembles. Every year and lesson after that continued a growth on the clarinet that I still use to this day in my musical career. I have always admired Prof. Estrin’s deep love for both music and the clarinet. His passion for the craft is truly contagious, and he consistently motivated me to improve with each lesson – all for the love of the music.”
Abigail Singer
Assistant Conductor Ocala Symphony Orchestra
“Professor Estrin’s teaching was, like a proper clarinet embouchure, firm yet flexible. He encouraged my musical interests in many ways, especially by helping me find repertoire off the beaten path rather than rigidly requiring I play from the list of standards. When I decided to pursue a career in arts administration, his first response was to tell me about a legendary figure in the orchestra management world — it was only much later that I realized this first example of a powerful woman in the field allowed me to imagine myself in a similar position. Even though we knew pretty early in our time together that professional performance was not in my future, Professor Estrin maintained high expectations of my playing and encouraged me to be the best clarinetist I could be.”
Sophie Press
Executive Director, Lorelei Ensemble
“Professor Estrin taught me so many important lessons that have helped me in my career as a musician: be focused, curious, and flexible. He encouraged me to explore the breadth of the repertoire, learn all of the auxiliary instruments, and say yes to any opportunity that may come your way. This has helped me in my career as a freelance musician performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and in chamber music settings. His knowledge of clarinet repertoire and ability to foster growth is second to none and he would be a great teacher for any inquisitive student.”
Michael Tran,
Freelance clarinetist
“I was about halfway through my time at the University of Florida when the powers-that-be decided to take a chance on a new clarinet teacher who hadn’t spent his life in the hallowed halls of academia, but in the trenches of performing as an actual working musician at the highest levels. Although I only had two years with Prof. Estrin, we made the absolute most use of that time from the moment he arrived. It was under Prof. Estrin that I was able to redefine my approach to the instrument and to the musical world into one that still serves me well to this day. It was always clear that Prof. Estrin simply loves music and playing the clarinet, as illustrated by his forming our first Clarinet Ensemble, commissioning new works from fellow faculty members, and highly encouraging his students to take any possible opportunities to play anything anytime. Backing up the pedagogical knowledge with 20 years of lore from the pressure cooker of the New York City orchestral world provided crucial context to just about any situation that would come up. It may not have been until many years later that I fully appreciated that. My time with Prof. Estrin and his faith in me set me up for the successful career I’ve enjoyed as a professional clarinetist for over 20 years.”
Master Sergeant Martin Gold
Clarinetist/Bass clarinetist
“Lessons with Professor Estrin are warm, encouraging, and inspiring. His depth of clarinet pedagogy knowledge combined with his impressive performance career provide a well-rounded educational experience for clarinetists of any stage, but I especially excelled in my solo and orchestral performance accomplishments as an emerging professional under his guidance. His ability to inspire both musicianship and technical excellence transformed my playing to a professional quality.
Dr. Anne Glerum
Professor Estrin has not only helped me improve my clarinet playing and musicianship, but he has also helped me become a better educator. His mentorship throughout my master’s degree set solid foundations for the pedagogue I am today. I have found continued success conveying pedagogy to my students that Professor Estrin used in my own lessons as a student.
An essential aspect of his teaching that has resonated with me since my time studying with him is the individual attention he provides to each student. He spent many hours outside of my weekly lesson hour helping me learn how to be a better teacher, create professional development materials, and sharing career (and life!) advice based on his incredible experiences. This level of personal investment is unique, and it is something I greatly appreciated. I am forever grateful for Professor Estrin’s guidance and encouragement, which led me to my own success in my career as a clarinetist and pedagogue.”
Assistant Professor of Music in Clarinet
University of South Alabama
As someone fortunate enough to call myself one of Prof. Estrin’s students, I can confidently say that much of my teaching style and professional confidence stems from his mentorship. He embodies the idea of a “warm demander” — someone who deeply cares for his students while also holding them to a high standard and helping them rise to meet it.
Lindsay Gassman
As an undergraduate, I often felt uncertain about what the future held for me. Circumstances in my life caused me to doubt myself, and I shared those feelings with him. One day, he told me something I immediately wrote down in my notebook and still revisit to this day: “You can do anything you want to do. Personally, musically, professionally.” His office was always a judgment-free zone. Whatever path I wanted to pursue, he supported wholeheartedly — and more importantly, he showed that support through action.
After sustaining an injury, Prof. Estrin helped me channel my curiosity about physical health and music. While others seemed unsure how to help, Prof. E enthusiastically worked with me to find both a setup and a mindset that would support the long-term health of my performance career. Through that process, he taught me about clarinet equipment, endurance exercises, and musician self-care that I still use today. Because of that experience, I now feel better equipped to work with all kinds of students.
During my senior year, we discovered an issue with my articulation that I worried I would never overcome. He gave me the push I needed to tackle it, and by the end, we both felt like we had won.
One of the greatest gifts a mentor can give a young teacher is a toolbox full of practical skills, and Prof. Estrin did that for me. He modeled a level of professionalism and generosity that has helped me thrive in this field. He created opportunities for me to direct his ensemble and gifted me with teaching strategies that my middle school students now benefit from every day. I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship, and I know the lessons I learned from him will continue to shape both my teaching and my musicianship for years to come.”
Band Director
Freedom Crossing Academy