Meet Clara Berman
Clara Berman, founder of Berman Music Studio, brings over 30 years of experience as a passionate artist-teacher and part-time Cantor.
Clara’s mission is to nurture each student’s love of and joy in music. Her expertise blends age-appropriate teaching techniques with a “whole-child” approach, fostering growth through private lessons and group programs. In private lessons, Clara focuses on supporting student aspirations and guiding them to discover their own talents. She is dedicated to developing student confidence, competence, and creative expression.
Education & Expertise
Clara is a highly qualified vocal and instrumental music teacher. Licensed and certified in Illinois, she has a Master of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University, a B.A. from the University of Chicago in Political Science, a B. A. in Music and Voice Performance from Sherwood Music School (now Columbia College), and additional certifications in Orff Schulwerk, Suzuki, Kodály, and K-12 music education.
Clara’s private studio specializes in voice and piano instruction, music theory, and composition. Her on-site music programs meet Illinois State music education requirements. Her compositions have been performed in schools, major universities, and private events. Her curriculum contributions include lesson plans for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which have engaged young audiences at Orchestra Hall.
Jewish Music & Cantorial Work
Inspired by her love for Jewish music, Clara has served as a cantorial soloist and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor. Her studies in Jewish cantillation and certificate in Jewish Learning from the Melton program of the University of Jerusalem reveal her commitment to cultural music education, adding depth to her work as a cantor and teacher.
Programs at the Studio and in the Schools
Berman Music Studio offers personalized music programs, concerts, and instruction. For grades Prek-6, the Orff, Suzuki, and Kodály methods are integrated into students’ private or small group lessons. This same approach can be incorporated into their school's music programs. Students explore rhythm, singing, and playing instruments in interactive sessions through engaging activities.
For upper grades and adult students, private lessons include all elements of performance, technique and focus on achieving student goals. In-school programs are integrated into the school music curriculum. Clara’s approach ensures every class is educational, enjoyable, and tailored to each age group.
Students in private lessons at Berman Music Studio learn music theory, sight reading, and transposition, along with musical performance. Students can be enrolled in Achievement in Music (AIM), and Sonata-Sonatina Festival, in addition to other competitions. AIM is an entire curriculum that ensures your students gain comprehensive musical skills.
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What Happy Clients Had To Say
Mark G.
“Clara instructed two of my sons on piano and laid a foundation for the love and appreciation of music and piano that is so much a part of their lives now. She taught them the skills needed to perform pieces in a fun and effective style that only someone with a love of music and mastery of the fundamentals and theory behind the lessons could”