Musician & Educator
About Daniel
Clarinetist, pianist, and music educator based in the United States
Daniel Espinoza is a clarinetist, pianist, and music educator, TCCBDA All-State clarinetist, and competitive marching band veteran now transferring to the University of Houston to pursue degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education, with long-term aspirations toward graduate and doctoral study.
His path spans beginner band in Klein ISD to the national stage at Bands of America Grand Nationals, from a childhood fascination with the keyboard to serious piano study at the collegiate level. Along the way, he has trained under some of the most respected musicians in Texas and competed at the state and national level on both instruments.
Alongside his studies, Daniel teaches private clarinet and piano lessons and will return to Conroe ISD as a junior high clarinet instructor, giving back to the same community that shaped him.
The Beginning
Music from the Start
Before he could read, Daniel was drawn to the keyboard — picking out sounds by ear as a toddler, long before he understood what music was. At age seven, he began formal piano lessons at the Suzuki Academy of Music, and in fifth grade he took up the viola through the public school system, studying it through seventh grade.
These early years built the ear and the instinct. The instrument that would define him came next.
Finding the Clarinet
Klein Oak & The Woodlands
In seventh grade, Daniel picked up the clarinet in beginner band at Krimmel Intermediate under director Stetson Begin. That single decision changed the direction of everything.
At Klein Oak High School, he studied under the legendary Todd Clearwater and began private lessons with Dr. Roberto DeGuzman (D.M.A., University of Houston). He earned a seat in the Wind Ensemble and made TMEA Region Band on soprano clarinet his freshman, sophomore, and senior years.
In 2023, Daniel transferred to The Woodlands High School for his junior year — one of the most prestigious band programs in the country. He placed immediately into their Wind Ensemble, marching soprano clarinet both his junior and senior years while playing bass clarinet for concert season as a junior. He made Region Band on bass clarinet his junior year, then again on soprano his senior year, under head director Carter Frederick and assistant director Aaron Stickley.
On the Field
Marching Band
From Klein Oak to The Woodlands, Daniel marched the clarinet across some of the most competitive stages in Texas and the nation — UIL State and Bands of America Grand Nationals. Watch the full show recordings below.
Klein Oak — Sophomore
The Woodlands — Senior
Klein Oak High School · 2022
"Are You Out There?"
Daniel's sophomore season at Klein Oak High School under director Todd Clearwater. He marched soprano clarinet and held a seat in the Wind Ensemble.
The Woodlands High School · 2023
"Mad, Mod, and Go!"
Daniel's junior year at The Woodlands High School — his first season with one of the most prestigious programs in the country. A retro jazz-inspired production featuring music from Cowboy Bebop.
- UIL 6A State Marching ContestState Finalist — 5th place
- BOA Grand Nationals3rd place · Class 4A
- BOA Katy RegionalGrand Champion
The Woodlands High School · 2024
"Day Danse"
Daniel's senior season marching soprano clarinet under head director Carter Frederick and assistant director Aaron Stickley. Featuring music by Chick Corea, the show earned a top finish at UIL 6A State.
- UIL 6A State Marching ContestState Finalist — 5th place
- BOA Grand Nationals5th place overall
- BOA San Antonio Super Regional2nd place overall
College & Beyond
Lone Star College & University of Houston
After graduating in 2024, Daniel enrolled at Lone Star College Montgomery, where his musical career truly began to take off. Under the mentorship of Music Department Chair Reese Burgan and Dr. Michael Walsh, head of the CREATE division, he studied clarinet under Jennifer Daniels (M.M., University of Houston) and rejoined the piano for the first time since childhood, taking lessons with Dr. Paul McCarroll (D.M.A., University of Houston).
He joined the jazz ensemble as pianist and competed in the TCCBDA (Texas Community College Band Directors Association) All-State process both years, placing in the ensemble each time and earning 3rd chair in the state in his second year for clarinet.
Having completed his Associate of Arts in Music in spring 2026, Daniel is now transferring to the University of Houston to pursue a dual degree in Clarinet Performance and Music Education, with a minor in Legal Studies. At UH, he will study clarinet under Sasha Potiomkin and continue marching at the collegiate level with the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Alongside his studies, he teaches private clarinet and piano lessons and will be returning to Conroe ISD as a clarinet lessons instructor at the junior high level, giving back to the same district that shaped him.
His sights extend well beyond the undergraduate degree. Daniel aspires to continue into graduate school and ultimately pursue a doctoral degree in clarinet performance — a goal that has shaped every lesson, every competition, and every stage he has stepped onto.
In Practice
Hear the Music
A glimpse into Daniel's work on clarinet and piano — click to watch.
Work Together
Whether you're looking for a performer for your next event or a dedicated teacher for yourself or your child, Daniel would love to hear from you.