Clarinet Instruction & Performance

Katie Combest

Clarinetist & Teacher

Where words fail, music speaks.

Hans Christian Andersen

A Lifetime In Music, Shared Two Ways

From the concert stage to one-on-one instruction, I love to share my two decades of experience to every student and every performance.

Performances

Hi! I'm Katie, and welcome to my site! I performed professionally with numerous orchestras for twenty years +. I performed with the Austin Symphony, Austin Ballet, Austin Pops, Bear Valley Symphony Orchestra, the New Orchestra of Spain, various musical companies, and numerous freelance orchestras. Travelling to and performing in Europe and Latin America with various groups, as well as teaching in foreign locales, were some of my favorite experiences!

About Katie

Instruction

No two people are the same; each student learns differently and has a unique background. I believe in structuring each student's curriculum based on his/her specific needs, wants, and goals. Education, joy, problem-solving skills, discipline, life-long music appreciation, pacing, self-confidence, and self-trust are the key expertise that I encourage, teach, and want students to gain from their lessons.

Take Lessons

I grew up in Texas, studied music in TX and NY, and started singing in a choir and playing piano before I began clarinet lessons in the 7th grade. The clarinet and I clicked! I’ve been teaching clarinet for over twenty years, and it is a gift to teach music. Some of the most notable instructors with whom I studied are Denise Gainey, Paul Garner, Jon Manasse, David Weber, and Kenneth Grant.

More About Katie
  • Back in the day, I earned the Principal Clarinet seat with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra after only having played clarinet for barely three years, having never before played in a symphony orchestra.
  • When auditioning for colleges and music conservatories, I was accepted, and received scholarships to every one that I applied to.
  • Non-music facts:
    • I read, write, and speak Spanish.
    • Hiking, reading, writing, and community service are joys of mine.

Lessons

Clarinet Instruction is available both remotely and in person

I teach remotely and in person. With busy schedules and location barriers, having remote lessons is an excellent opportunity to learn from wherever you are. This also allows for greater flexibility. That said, in-person lessons are important and are available, but less frequently.

Standard offerings available include:
• 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons
• Master Clarinet Instruction for students of all levels and for band directors wanting to learn clarinet better, or how best to teach it.
• Clarinet and Ensemble Coaching
• Audition Preparation
Please contact me at 214.549.9340 or combestclarinet@gmail.com

Get Started Now

Please contact me by phone, email or by completing the form below: 

Phone: 214-549-9340
Email: combestclarinet@gmail.com

Jintae Park

Student

“I had the pleasure of studying under Ms. Combest my senior of high school, and I only have good things to say about her as a person and a teacher. With her help, I was able to have series of successful auditions, better enjoy music and most importantly, grow more as a musician.”

Greg Raden

Principal Clarinet, Dallas Symphony

“Katie Combest is a gifted and versatile teacher and performer who has consistently produced successful students. She is able to instill solid fundamentals, attention to detail, and most importantly, musicality, in her students in a demanding yet nurturing environment.”

Brent Biskup

Director of Bands, Flower Mound

“Katie Combest is one of the finest teachers I¹ve worked with. She has a unique ability to relate to students at all levels as she inspires them to grow and improve. The students have developed the utmost respect for the opportunity to study with her. Her impact on the program is nothing short of amazing.”

Contact Katie Combest

For information on teaching or performing