Liz Ramirez

"2019-2025 Lessonface Clarinet Teacher of the Year" So happy to have you here! I’m Liz and I specialize in helping clarinet students who want to get better fast by providing expert guidance and direction. I help students accelerate and polish off their playing, allowing them to sound good and have fun playing no matter what level they are. And if you're a complete begginer, I get you set up for success from the very start. I have started so many students from scratch and they are some of my most proficient students, playing well above their school grade level. 

I have been teaching clarinet for 22 years and have taught hundreds of students. I teach students ages 8-18 and beginner/returning adults. My years of study, performing, and teaching have allowed me to streamline and distill how to play the clarinet into a simple and highly effective approach. I pride myself in knowing that my lessons are more than just the clarinet- they are about personal growth, building confidence, connection, and having fun! My students and families know this as well. I’ve been commended many times by various organizations for my high student retention rate! 

⭐️Student Accomplishments⭐️
My students consistently receive top placement in Solo & Ensemble and All State auditions and have been accepted to various music programs including the All American D-Day Band 2023, Juilliard Music Advancement Program, LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts and Milwaukee High School of the Arts. My students also move up quickly into higher level school ensembles and continue to play in college ensembles, being able to participate in performances abroad and in events such as the Rose Bowl Parade.

🎵Are you a complete beginner? Join my upcoming group class “Complete Beginner Clarinet Blast Off!” Starts September 9th, Limited spots!

🎵Grab your free beginner clarinet player checklist! 7 Beginner Clarinet Player Essentials- Checklist

Lesson Information

I ask that students commit to weekly lessons when signing up. This allows for consistency and progress to shine through.

This is my general recommendation for lesson lengths based on playing level. We will discuss what's best for each student when we meet.

Beginners- Weekly 30 minute lessons

Intermediate/Advanced/Preparing for Audition- Weekly 45 minute/1 hour lessons or two 30 minute lessons. More time allows for the larger amounts of music and deeper concepts being studied to be addressed with comfort.

My calendar is currently blocked out in 30 minute slots. Please send me a message if you would like to schedule a 45 minute or 60 minute lesson, or have any questions. I'm happy to answer any questions and I look forward to working with you!

Reschedule policy for students: Please message me to coordinate a reschedule, I will enter reschedules into the calendar on my end.

🎵A little about me

I'm a NYC native clarinetist/musician and passionate educator with over 25 years performing experience and 22 years teaching experience (ages 6-76). I'm passionate about teaching and learning, and believe in the power of music to enrich our lives. I've been a teaching artist with many El Sistema inspired music programs that use music as a vehicle for social change, most recently as a teaching artist with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. One of my greatest joys in teaching is being able to be a part of a student's personal growth.

As a professional orchestral and chamber music player I have performed with many ensembles including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Beethoven, Brahms and Mahler have my heart and I will never turn down rocking out to a Shostakovich symphony. I enjoy playing different musical genres and have performed with  gypsy jazz and banda groups (Banda Nueva York). Music has brought so many wonderful experiences and I’ve performed in many top concert halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Stage 48 and halls abroad in Scotland, England, Spain, and China. My playing can be heard on Spotify, Naxos, YouTube, and several award-winning films. I received my bachelors degree in clarinet performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and my masters in clarinet performance at the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I had the pleasure of studying with some really wonderful teachers including Todd Levy, Edward Palanker, David Sapadin and Larry Guy. Music festivals I've attended include Kinhaven Music School and Eastern Music Festival. Outside of all things music I love spending time with our animal friends, going on walks, gardening, and baking. There’s nothing like homemade bread and cookies!

My goal in our lessons is to make learning how to play the clarinet enjoyable and as simple as possible.

My approach to lessons is very personal. I like to get to know you so that I can better understand what will work best for you. Lessons are tailored to each and every student.

One of the most rewarding experiences for me as a teacher is to witness how music allows students to blossom in their willingness to take on challenges, which builds their self confidence.

Ready to get started? Sign up here!