JENA NAHNSEN
Clarinetist, Educator, and Emotional Intelligence in the Arts Advocate
Creating a safe space through education and performance for people to experience that which is themselves.
ABOUT
Jena Nahnsen is a flourishing and mindful young clarinetist and teacher with a special interest in exploring brain health advocacy through music. Her performances have been described as "captivating audiences" from the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Association.
As a student, Jena won spots as principal clarinet in both the University Wind Ensemble and orchestra. She was a prizewinner at the Schubert Club competition in St. Paul, MN and served as a performance fellow at The Cortona Sessions for New Music, Bay View Chamber Music Festival, Philadelphia International Music Festival, and Fresh Inc. Also, she appeared as a soloist with the Iowa State Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and jazz ensemble.
Jena co-created a piano and clarinet duo with her fiance named "Beyond Boundaries". The duo focuses on creative music programming to bring awareness to social issues and inspire audiences to work towards a kinder tomorrow. One special performance that highlights what this duo stands for is titled "The Path is Peace". The program explores the destruction and transformation of humankind through a powerful multimedia performance experience. Beyond Boundaries is on a philanthropic mission to help create mindful musicians and a mindful community of audience members.
Brain health advocacy through music is one of Jena's biggest passions. Through the study and advocacy of emotional intelligence in the arts, Jena hopes to contribute her part to ending the stigma of brain health disorders.
Jena holds a bachelors of music degree from Iowa State University where she studied with Dr. Gregory Oakes. She is currently pursuing her masters of music degree at University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee where she studies under the guidance of Mr. Todd Levy.
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video Black Dog- Scott McAllister
LESSONS
My mission as a private teacher is to not only help my students improve their clarinet playing, but also to help them develop their sense of self in the process.
Lessons are personalized to the student's level and goals. A typical lesson will start with fundamentals- breathing exercises, sound production, tone develpement, scales, etudes. Then we'll move on to the standard solo assigned. Here we'll focus on musical expression- phrasing, dynamic contrasts, tone color (advanced).
Suggested resources for beginners: Essential Elements 2000, Accents on Achievement or Rubank Elementary Methods
Suggested resources for Intermediate: Baermann Foundation Studies, Robert Spring Clarinet Warm-Up
Suggested Resources for Advanced: Jettel Klarinettenschule vol. 2 ,Kell 17 Articulation Studies, Kelly Burke Clarinet Warm-Ups
CLARINET LESSONS
Offering lessons of all levels in person and virtually.
30 Minutes- $15
45 Minutes- $22.50
60 Minutes- $30
Lessons will be billed monthly.