About the Instructor
Jillissa Anderson
Jillissa Anderson grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin where she learned clarinet at a young age. She chose the instrument in 5th grade and began with a private instructor shortly there after. She began band in 7th grade and continued throughout highschool. Jillissa participated in Wisconsin State Honors Band and Orchestra four years in a row, and she competed in state "Solo & Ensemble" for five years. At the completion of high school
she was offered the highest music
scholarship to Cedarville University.
While at Cedarville University, Jillissa was under the instruction of Bruce Curlette and
participated in the University band, orchestra and clarinet quartet. Jillissa was
principle clarinetist of all three ensembles during her time at Cedarville. During her
undergrad, Jillissa was principle clarinetist for Fiddler on the Roof and performed several several solo recitals. Jillissa also won the Cedarville University Concerto Competition and performed as the featured artist at a live orchestra concert.
While a full time student at Cedarville University, Jillissa taught clarinet privately to grade school kids through college students and taught sectional classes and master classes at the local middle and high school. Jillissa was also an avid performer, taking lead in many student composed ensembles, performing for the community, touring with the orchestra to Georgia and Florida, playing principle clarinet for Carnival of the Animals, and solo clarinet for the original Ballet Know Me by Sean Kisch.
Upon graduating from Cedarville University, Jillissa was offered a full ride scholarship to Wright State University. At Wright State, she studied with John Kurokawa, principle clarinetist for the Dayton Philharmonic, and completed her masters with highest honors.
Jillissa has a passion to teach music to people of all ages and seeks that out by offering lessons in both the Dayton and Cincinnati area. Some of Jillissa's favorite music subjects are Music Theory and Classical-Romantic Period History. Orchestra is one of Jillissa's favorite ways of performing. She loves working with other musicians and the grand sound that a full orchestra makes when working together.
Jillissa has experience playing on all clarinets, from Eb clarinet to Bass clarinet, but her main instrument of choice is a Buffet R13 professional clarinet. She plays with a custom Ramón Wodkowski mouthpiece and Vandoren V12 Reeds.
The First Note
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Starting private lessons before any ensemble experience was essential for my musical growth and understanding. I think its important to begin lessons as soon as a student is interested so that they can understand the basic foundations of music and their instrument.
Teach In Harmony
Playing an instrument is also about working with others. It is important to be involved in some kind of music group, whether band or clarinet quartet, so they can understand how music functions with others in harmony. If they are not involved in school groups, we will emphasize group playing in lessons and sectionals.
The Future Sounds Good
Its understood that many students who play music will not pursue it long term, but it's also proven that musical involvement enhances educational success for students. It is important to be focused, but pursue interests that boosts a students ability to be well-rounded and goal-oriented.
Robert Schumann
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Three Romances Op. 94
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I. Nicht schnell
Please enjoy a performance of Robert Schumanns Romances on A Clarinet by Jillissa Anderson, performed in the spring of 2019.