Teaching
Work with
Dr. Zelnick
Dr. Zelnick is an outstanding teacher who motivates her students to reach beyond their full potential. She is truly an amazing musician and mentor and I owe much of my success as a musician to her.
-Kirby Brayman
Taking lessons from Dr. Zelnick was a great learning experience for me. She explains advanced techniques and complex musical ideas in simple and accurate ways that are easy to grasp. Her passion for creating beautiful music through clarinet is clearly shown through her own playing, and is contagious to her students.
-Puyin Bai
She is an engaged and caring teacher who has helped support me in my career, even after graduating from her studio! Her methods of improving fundamentals are still things I practice today and apply in my own teaching.
-Dr. Madelyn Moore
For over 28 years, Dr. Zelnick has taught some of the brightest talents in music. Her students hold tenured positions in orchestras and universities around the world. Recipient of the University of Kansas School of Music Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, she has taught masterclasses on four continents and at numerous festivals and universities.
Dr. Zelnick is available for lessons, masterclasses, seminars, coaching, and tenure preparation consultations, either virtually or in person. You can reach her at zelnick@ku.edu or stephaniezelnick@yahoo.com.
The modern day super-woman! Her effortless talents are apparent in her performances and teaching. I loved working with Dr. Zelnick because of her passion for the arts and her engaging personality.
-Dr. Tyler Goudlock
Working with Dr. Zelnick for three years was very engaging and refreshing. She always had interesting ideas on how to improve what I was playing and reminded me that the difficulty of the music should never affect our fundamentals. Dr. Zelnick inspired me to be aware of the quality of my sound, to have perfectly clear articulation and correct rhythm, no matter what style of music we are playing.
-Dr. Petar Smilev
From teaching masterclasses at renowned institutions such as Yale, Juilliard, and Eastman School of Music, to working with students in festivals around the world, Dr. Zelnick's teaching combines attention to detail with positivity and a commitment to student success.
If your group needs new perspectives on chamber music or you need work with your application and audition materials, Dr. Zelnick has 30 years of experience helping musicians shape their careers.
Combining an individual approach with attention to detail, private lessons can quickly pinpoint and address strengths and weaknesses. Available online or in person.
Student Links
Dr. Zelnick is proud of ALL of the people that work with her, not just the ones listed here. Enjoy examples of what some of her former and current students are doing now.
Websites
NEWS
Dr. Madelyn Moore
Associate Professor of Clarinet at New Mexico State University and clarinetist in the El Paso and Las Cruces Symphony Orchestras. Buffet Crampon Artist.
Dr. Hilary Lowery
Appointed to the clarinet faculty at the University of Minnesota.
Richard Adger
Director of Community Engagement at the Juilliard School and Assistant Director of Community Engagement at Chamber Music Lincoln Center.
Dr. Chris Nichols
Full Professor at the University of Delaware. Former President of the International Clarinet Association.
Dr. Jeremy Wohletz
Appointed Assistant Professor of Woodwinds at Valley City State University.
Dr. Kaitlyn Neufeld
Appointed as Assistant Professor of Clarinet, Southeastern Louisiana State University.
Katie Varadi
Appointed as clarinet faculty at Baker University and Ottawa University.
Dr. Petar Smilev
Appointed as clarinetist in the Salina Symphony and winner of the KU Symphony Concerto Competition.
Dr. Stacia Fortune
Appointed as Assistant Professor at Kansas Wesleyan University.
Dr. Larkin Sanders
Appointed as bass clarinet, Topeka Symphony and founder of the Taneycomo Festival.
David Perry
Appointed Lecturer of Clarinet at Washington and Lee University.
Dr. Rachel Levison
Won the Charleston International Competition and joined the Gora Gora Orkestar.
Dr. Haiwen Xu
Performed at Carnegie Hall as winner of Concert Artists International Competition.
Erin Douglas Voellinger
Principal Clarinet of Ballet West, adjunct faculty at University of Utah.
Eric Umble
Performed with the New York Philharmonic and the International Contemporary Ensemble.
Dr. Gary Fair
Appointed Clarinet Faculty at Trinity University and San Antonio College.
Dr. Johnson Machado
Appointed clarinet professor at Universidade Federal de Goias.
Courtney Nottingham
Appointed Instructor-Junior Wind, Brass, and Percussion at Interlochen.
Josh Goo
Appointed Lecturer of Clarinet at Colorado State Pueblo.
Dr. Michael Gersten
Appointed Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Frederick College.
Dr. Emily Rossin
Appointed Associated Professor of Practice at the University of Kansas.
Dr. Cosmin Harsian
Appointed Clarinet Professor at the University of the West, Romania.
Dr. Justin Harbaugh
Appointed Instructor at University of Kansas and Director of Performing Arts at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Mickayla Chapman
Clarinetist of the Vanguard Reed Quintet.
Madeline Echternacht-Helm
Appointed Lecturer of Clarinet at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Dr. Jenny Clink
Was appointed sabbatical replacement at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Wesley Rhodes
Selected to present at the ICA ClarinetFest, Dublin, Ireland.
Dr. Richard Galbreath
Appointed as Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Adams State University.
Brendan Fairleigh
Appointed to the Dallas Winds and New World Symphony.
Dr. Tyler Goudlock
Appointed 8th US Army/US Forces Korea.
Dr. Zelnick is an outstanding educator and musician whose passion for music is contagious. What truly sets her apart is her genuine care and dedication to her students's academic and personal growth. She embodies the perfect blend of professionalism and warmth, making her a true mentor that everyone she works with deeply admires and respects. I am extremely fortunate to have studied with Dr. Zelnick and have her in my corner!
-Dr. Kaitlyn Neufeld