Northern Illinois University
School of Music
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Gregory Barrett, D.M.
Professor of Clarinet

I help my students reach their potential as clarinetists and musicians regardless of their major. We'll use a wide range of repertoire to study tone, rhythm, intonation, style, phrasing, articulation and dynamic control. I teach all clarinet music majors personally.

Degree Options

The School of Music offers the Bachelor of Music degree with emphasis in music education or performance, the Bachelor of Arts degree for students who want a broad liberal arts education and the Master of Music degree in three specializations: Performance, Music Education or Individualized Study. The Performer’s Certificate is a graduate-level professional certificate program focusing on performance.

NIU Clarinet Studio

Studio Classes

Studio classes include solo and chamber performance, reeds, repertoire, audition preparation and much more.

Ensemble Opportunities

Clarinet students have opportunities to perform in the Philharmonic, Wind Ensembles and Marching Band, New Music Ensemble and chamber groups.

Enriching Opportunities

Throughout the year, I invite guest clarinetists from the Chicago area, the U.S. and many other countries to share their knowledge and experience with us. These visits provide the opportunity to learn about different sounds and styles, play in a master class and hear a guest recital.

The Clarinet Cornucopia attracts students of all levels, teachers, professionals and amateur players with a day of solo and chamber recitals, a masterclass with the guest artist, lectures, presentations and an invitation to perform in the Cornucopia Choir concert. NIU students perform and assist with the day.

Students from the NIU Clarinet Studio have gone on teach in public schools and play in armed service bands, perform in groups such as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Beijing Symphony Orchestra and pursue advanced or doctoral study at the Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Iowa, the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri – Kansas City and Yale University.