Piano Lessons in Novi, MI

Jason O

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I think there were a few moments that lead up to decision in becoming an educator, but ultimately, this feels like a profession that fits me. I enjoy working with students and watching them grow into well rounded proficient musicians.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does somewhat run in my family. My dad is a guitarist, my sister is a singer, and I have heard that there was a famous conductor in my family that ran an orchestra in Chicago. I thought that was pretty cool!

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have been asked this question before, but I don't think there is another profession that would appeal to me. Music is what I am meant to do.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
This can be dependent on my mood. I mostly like jazz or funk, however pop music can be fun as well. Anything that keeps your audience interested!

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I actually learned many of secondary instruments at music school. Some of my students choose to learn additional instruments with me as well. For example, transitioning from clarinet to saxophone is generally not super difficult for most students.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I felt that my experience teaching my siblings' friends from a young age guided me towards the field music education. I also decided to do music performance as well, because I wanted to be proficient on my instrument.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I don't know if I have a specific piece that I would consider my "dream" piece, however I believe the best performances are the ones that leave an impression on your audience.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
This depends on the level of student. I have most students warm up with scales or warm up material that I provide. For jazz students, I might have them play different modes or variations of scales. After warming up, I would probably review that materials that we are currently working on based on the previous week's lesson.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I do. See my methods section for more information on preferred method books and materials. Additionally, I have some of my own homemade materials as well that I provide my students.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master is patience. In ordered to truly advance on your instrument, you have to have the time, discipline, and patience to become better.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of seeing my students progress into young aspiring musicians! Aside from this however, I am proud of my scholarships that I earned as a student and for the opportunities to play in different venues around the United States.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Sure! I have had many students participate in NYSSMA and receive honors such as attending All County and All State. Additionally, some of my students have received music based scholorships.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes! My middle school band teacher was one of my first inspirations to go into music. He was a very honest, helpful, and relatable teacher, but he also believed that I could do great things if I stuck with my instrument.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I originally was slated to play the euphonium in elementary school. I was told if that if I stuck with it for one year that I would have the option to choose a new one the following year. Well, that was exactly what I did which is why I ended up with one of the best instruments there is! The saxophone!

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Effective practice all starts with routine. Making a daily effort in practicing will ultimately produce positive results. The more time you commit, the quicker you will yield results.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Typically with woodwind instruments, 4th grade and beyond is a good place to start. On occasion, I will take some students younger than that age range if they commit to the practicing required to learn an instrument.

When will I start to see results?
This can vary from student to student and is mostly determined by handwork and persistence. The more practice you put in, the faster you will progress. It's like anything else.

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