Clarinet lessons from a pro

Many people dream of turning a hobby into a career, but finding the path from passion to profession can be uncertain.

Meagan Stone wants to help ease the way.

The Carpentersville Middle School band director created "Careers in Music" to inspire students to continue their music education once they transition to high school.

"We want to keep music alive in their hearts," she said. "Even if they do not continue playing instruments, there are many places music can take them."

As part of the ongoing unit, Northern Illinois University professor Gregory Barrett recently spoke with Carpentersville Middle School students about his career as a professional musician.

The unit began in December when Stone introduced a variety of jobs available in the music community, including composing, management, and hosting radio shows.

Students were then instructed to write a letter to a professional to see if he or she would be able to share real-life experiences in the business.

One of those letters was written by eighth-grader Miguel Tinajero.

"At first I thought it would be hard," he said. "I wasn't sure who to write to." Because Miguel plays the clarinet, Stone encouraged him to write Barrett, her former clarinet professor.

Barrett was happy to visit the school.

"Music can be so rewarding and fun," he said. "I enjoy working with students and meeting new musicians."

In addition to speaking about his career, Barrett's visit included a workshop for the eighth grade clarinet students. Together they worked on the importance of listening to each other and blending their tone and volume.

The band also experimented with creating new music, playing variations on basic scales.

"You can be a composer!" he exclaimed. "Use your imagination. You don't always have to play what is written on the page."

A question and answer session helped reveal the challenges and rewards a music career can bring. Eyes widened as Barrett listed the many countries he's visited.

In closing, Barrett shared the secret of how to be a successful musician.

"It doesn't matter how talented you are," Barrett said. "What matters is how hard you are willing to work."

Eighth-grader Alexis O'Connor is one student ready to continue her musical journey.

"I'm going to keep playing in high school," she said. "I want to learn more and experience what music can bring to my life."

That is certainly music to Stone's ears.