Chaz Sonoda Adjunct Instructor Performing Arts
- Additional Positions at AU
- Clarinet Instructor
- Degrees
- B.M. DePaul University
M.M. Northwestern University - Bio
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A Southern California native, Chaz Sonoda began his clarinet studies at the age of 9. He has performed with the National Repertory Orchestra, Quartz Mountain Music Festival Orchestra, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, and IN Series Opera Company. In 2022, Chaz was a prizewinner in both the American Virtuoso International Music Competition and the Philharmonic Society of Arlington’s Young Artist Competition (MA).
From 2012 to 2016, Chaz spent a combined total of nearly one year in China studying with clarinetists He Yi of China Conservatory and Rende Zheng of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (retired), while simultaneously studying Chinese language and literature at Fudan University and the Beijing Language and Culture University. Additionally, he toured China as co-principal clarinetist of Northwestern University's Symphony Orchestra in 2018.
Since 2018, Chaz has been a member of the clarinet section at the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington D.C., and he has appeared as a soloist with the band and regularly performs on the band’s chamber music series, including at venues such as the Kennedy Center and National Gallery of Art. In 2021, he joined the faculty of American University as adjunct professor of clarinet. Chaz earned his Bachelor of Music at DePaul University and Master of Music at Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. His primary teachers include Emil Khudyev, Steve Cohen, Stephen Williamson, Julie DeRoche, and Deborah Chodacki.
As a teacher, Chaz has been invited to present masterclasses and workshops at a number of schools around the country, including University of Colorado Boulder, California State Universities Long Beach and Northridge, Northeastern Illinois University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Northwestern University. He also maintains a competitive private studio for young clarinetists in Fairfax County, Virginia.
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Teaching
Spring 2024
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MUS-021 Private Instrument Study: Clarinet
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MUS-022 Private Instrument Study: Clarinet
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MUS-121 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Clarinet
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MUS-122 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Clarinet
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MUS-334 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Junior Recital, Clarinet
Fall 2024
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MUS-021 Private Instrument Study: Clarinet
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MUS-022 Private Instrument Study: Clarinet
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MUS-121 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Clarinet
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MUS-122 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Clarinet