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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: Saxophone
I have been teaching throughout my career as a saxophonist and got my first student in 2007. My students find the best results if they love their instrument and have their own motivation to improve. My role is not only instructing someone to better play saxophone, but being an encouraging and positive force in a student's life. I've seen that when a student gains confidence and discipline, their learning curve typically skyrockets.I know I've done well when my student feels themselves improving and gets excited about meeting their full potential.There are countless styles and sounds in music, and I build a foundation on that equips students to seek out their own musical path. Read More
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: Saxophone Clarinet
for the beginner student, we will start off by going through things such as scales, arpeggios, and exercises to build a solid foundation. While doing this, I will have the student pick a song they like, whether it be pop, country, jazz, classical, and begin to learn it by ear to begin to develop solid aural recognition. Once the fundamentals are solid, we will move on to either working on a sonata or concerto or a transcription and a tune (depending on if you are a jazz student or classical). 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
In essence, my love of teaching stems from my Mom's love of teaching. She sincerely desired to teach my siblings and myself to pursue our highest dreams. It turned out that I did succeed as a star performer in music, on stages around the world. But also, when I decided to settle down, I added education to my 10-year plan. So, I went back to school for another master's degree, and taught music in CPS - performing three nights per week with my the Bartels/Benson duo, Connexion Band, Prohibition Orchestra, Bryan Skyler Trio, and other groups. 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: Saxophone Clarinet
I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. 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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