The Teachers
The Indiana Clarinet Experience Faculty represent some of the most enthusiastic young educators in the Midwest who maintain active performance schedules and large teaching studios. Learn more about each member below.
Erik Franklin is an award-winning clarinetist and composer. As a former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, he has performed in nearly all fifty states. Prior to joining the Field Band in 2016, Erik held positions with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. He also served as interim Instructor of Woodwinds/Music History at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. He is the founder of the Ann Street Trio and the Novacane Quartet, an award-winning group discovering new avenues for art music in America.
A South Carolina native, Erik earned a BM in clarinet from Furman University and a MM and DM in clarinet from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying with Howard Klug. Erik lives in Baltimore, MD with his husband. In 2018 they founded the Patterson Park Academy of Music - a music school that offers private instrument instruction, community ensembles, and early development music classes. 
Chris Dessent is a music teacher and performer, specializing in several instruments and music genres. His main instruments are clarinet and saxophone, and he plays the guitar and electric bass as well. Chris is versatile in both classical and jazz styles, as well as rock, pop, and other genres. A graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Chris received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with High Distinction, studying clarinet with Howard Klug.
Currently, Chris is a Professor of Practice in Music Education and Assistant Band Director at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Previously, Chris served as a band director at Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana. He has experience teaching and performing with award-winning concert bands, jazz bands, marching bands, orchestras, and chamber groups in Chicago, Indiana, and Ohio. A versatile composer and arranger, Chris has several newly published works of varying levels and styles. His primary instrument is the clarinet, and he thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Indiana Clarinet Experience as a staff member. |
Kylie Stultz-Dessent is a dedicated and passionate teacher and performer. She is currently Assistant Professor of Music (clarinet) at Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music. She has previously served on faculty at Ball State University and maintains a large private clarinet studio of middle school and high school students. Her students have placed in All-State ensembles, received top ratings at solo festivals and competitions, and have successfully auditioned for prestigious music schools. In 2014, she co-founded the Indiana Clarinet Experience, a music camp dedicated to young clarinetists.
As a performer, Kylie has attended international music festivals such as Orford Summer Academy, Windfest, and the Banff Centre Masterclasses. She is a member of the reed trio, 10th Muse, an innovative group dedicated to performing chamber music around the country. Kylie regularly performs with regional orchestras throughout the state. Kylie received her doctorate from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music in 2022. She holds a graduate degree from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and graduated with high honors from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2012. She is a Selmer Performing Artist. |