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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Saxophone lessons in Chicago . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet
Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard
The moment when a students finally understands a difficult concept, succeeds at a performance, masters a new technique, or has an amazing breakthrough is why I teach. I love to see the joy in the students faces and see how proud they are when they accomplish the tasks at hand. I like to reward and acknowledge successes because a student who feels successful has a higher chance of being successful. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon
It is important to me that each student progress at their own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. I make sure to always acknowledge accomplishments to help fuel the student's desire to progress and make them eager to learn more. By finding out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe
The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone
I'm a very creative musician with unending curiosity and a passion for people. My journey on the saxophone started over 15 years ago, and will continue as long as I can make a sound on the horn. In 2008, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Valparaiso University. I have come to consider myself an eternal student, and seek out performing opportunities that lead me into uncharted musical territory. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I began teaching in 2000, and since then have taught saxophones, flute, clarinet, improvisation, chord theory, piano / keyboard, basic music understanding to young children in a classroom setting, and coached worship teams and group seminars to all ages. It is a great joy to see students excel and expand as they take what they have learned into their own lives! Without focus on achieving this, I have witnessed most of my school-aged students advance to lead positions in the ensembles they are involved with, as well as continuing with a passion in their gifts! Read More
Instruments: Saxophone
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone Performance. I didn't choose the degree - it chose me! I never even considered pursuing another degree because I knew early in high school that I needed to study jazz performance. When you are deeply passionate about something you can't ignore it! I come from a very musical family (multiple jazz professors and music teachers) so it was the natural choice for me. I am so grateful that I studied music because everything great that's happened to me has been through music!
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Great question. Good practice techniques are the most important aspect of improving. I always start with overtones, specifically using Rascher's 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' book. Overtones help the player work on intonation, tone quality, ear training, embouchure, breath support, and range all at the same time. Then I move on to scales and patterns. I'll play the scales I'm working on in as many different ways as possible (and always with a metronome): full range, in 3rds, in 4ths, arpeggios, etc. I'm always working on different patterns (example, 4ths going up in whole steps) and play them with a metronome until I have reached my desired tempo. Then I move on to learning songs or transcribing my favorite solos!
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
There are a few accomplishments I am proud of - obtaining a music degree on a nearly full-ride scholarship, having my arrangements recorded on various albums, and building my own saxophone studio. However, I am most proud of creating a band with my beautiful wife and playing at some of the finest venues in Chicago! We have been lucky enough to perform at Andy's Jazz Club, Untitled, Londonhouse, Marketdays Festival, and many other amazing places. It's very fulfilling to put a group together and perform original music!
When will I start to see results?
I hear this question a lot! There is no easy answer because everyone learns at a different pace. However, if you practice consistently and learn the techniques discussed in our lesson you can improve very rapidly and start seeing results in the first few months. You will only see results if you practice consistently and if you want to learn! Practice, practice, practice! Don't expect to see any results unless you put in the time. The best part is that music is a life long journey, so one can always improve!
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, my private saxophone teacher from middle school through high school definitely inspired me to pursue music. Through my lessons with him I became more and more proficient on the saxophone, which gave me great confidence - not only in music but with life in general. I knew I needed to continue on this course because of the joy it brought me. Developing a talent is something that can only happen with the direction of someone who knows more than you! I am truly grateful for all my teachers who inspired me and helped me along the way.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
1) Repetition is the key to improving! Rather than practicing once or twice a week for long periods, try practicing every day for shorter lengths. This will improve muscle memory and you will begin to internalize the music. Short, focused sessions are much more valuable than long, unfocused ones.
2) Always practice as slow as necessary to play everything correctly! Resist the urge to play fast until you can play it perfectly at slower tempos, otherwise you will learn the passage incorrectly.
3) Only practice if you are enjoying the session. If you are not focused or unhappy it will not be an efficient session.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Saxophone lessons in Chicago to students of all ages and abilities.
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