Saxophone Lessons in Comus, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching music to students has always been a huge passion of mine and developing a love of music is always my top priority. I had a lot of bad habits that developed over years so it will always be my goal to make sure this isn't the case with my students. Playing music should be fun, never too hard or painful. I will put a big emphasis on posture and building proper habits from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

I have made sure to transfer all of these skills to my private teaching. I am very direct with my students and act as facilitator in lesson discussions, and to try not making decisions for them. I heavily employ the "trial by fire" and "sink or swim" methods, as I've found those the most effective in my lifetime of learning new things. However, I am flexible in going back and reteaching and remodeling, as long as we still keep our "eyes on the prize", whether that be personal rewards, scholastic musical awards, musical career advancement, music therapy approach/feelings, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

For begining student I typically start with a book called Essential Elements. I supplement some of the things in the book with other literature and hand written exercise to help enhance learning experience. For Adults I try to find what genre and music style they would like to work on. This then allows me to plan a custom learning experience that best suits them and what they're looking to gain from the experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More