Long before serving as the principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, performing at presidential inaugurations, and being named Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America, Anthony McGill’s musical journey began at Merit School of Music.
On October 29, 2024, McGill returned to Merit to share his expertise, experience, and passion with a new generation of young musicians. His masterclass, held in Foreman Hall at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, was a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and the transformative power of music education.
Presented jointly by Merit and the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI), the masterclass gave three talented young musicians the opportunity to receive McGill’s invaluable feedback and one-on-one coaching. The students — Emily Perez-Ojeda, Andrew Olvera, and Sarah Morris — each performed a piece for McGill and received personally tailored advice on how to refine their craft and develop as musicians.
“I wouldn’t be here without my time at the Merit School of Music. When I was a kid growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Merit gave me an opportunity to change my life, and I’m forever grateful to my friends and family there.”
From the moment he stepped into the room, it was clear that McGill was not just a musical luminary but also a natural teacher. His approach was warm yet focused, setting the students at ease with his down-to-earth manner while ensuring the session stayed productive and rooted in the music. His feedback was thoughtful and specific, highlighting both technical details like tone production as well as the bigger picture of developing a musical mindset.
McGill treated the young musicians as junior colleagues rather than students, fostering an atmosphere of respect and professionalism. He connected with the performers by explaining how he continues to perform these same of the clarinet repertoire, sharing the hurdles he has faced along the way and giving insight into how he has navigated the most difficult sections.
Throughout the class, McGill focused on developing a healthy, productive mindset for the students, encouraging them to embrace the process rather than obsess over the outcome. He spoke about the importance of being “the best you can be in this moment.” It’s easy to get lost in the daunting goal of perfection, but Anthony’s advice was practical: if you’re overwhelmed by the distance to the final desired outcome, you can’t perform. Take it one step at a time.
“The masterclass with Anthony McGill was an inspiring experience for me, as an individual and as a musician,” says Andrew Olvera. “He was really humble. We aspire to what he has achieved, and he gave us a lot of resources to help us understand that it’s a possible goal for us to reach.” This perspective resonated not only with the students performing but also with the audience, which included many younger students who were captivated by Anthony’s words.
Merit was instrumental in shaping Anthony’s trajectory, and his deep, abiding connection to the school and its mission is evident. His involvement as a member of Merit’s National Advisory Council underscores his commitment to ensuring that future generations of young people have access to high-quality music education regardless of background.
The recent masterclass was more than just an opportunity for the students to perform in front of a world-class musician: it served as a powerful reminder that each student’s journey is unique, but they are never alone in their pursuit of excellence.
