Saxophone Lessons in Distant, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I believe it is important for any teacher to be patient and compassionate. Every student is different in their abilities and learning processes. So I remain flexible in trying new ways to keep students engaged and not be distracted if certain techniques become difficult. Unlike a course where you receive a grade, lessons are like coaching sessions. Similar to coaching sports, consistent workouts and drills help build the foundation to perform. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I want to help every student achieve their personal goals in music, whether it is to work on school music, learn a new instrument or become a professional musician. I encourage structure in the lessons, but am flexible to work on the students needs. I focus on helping students create their best possible sound and communicate with expression. I want my students to perform and experience live performances. I provide serval venues and ensembles where I perform as well as other performances happening in the Pittsburgh area. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

I have experienced music in large variety of groups, from funk bands, to jazz bands, choirs, saxophone quartets, drum circles, as well as recording and mixing my own album. Music is about connections: there's nothing that the experience of music doesn't affect! When you take lessons from me, you know you are getting a great foundation of music for life, from reading music, theory, and correct technique, as well as something as broad as composition, improvisation, music technology, even dance! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back to my college days as I began teaching as an instructor for a local high school marching band, leading their woodwind sectionals and marching clinics. I began teaching full-time in 1992 and temporarily left full-time teaching in 1998 when my daughter was born. It was at this time that I first opened my home up to teaching privately. This ended up to be a great experience, and when I moved to Texas the following year, I began teaching with the Katy ISD private lesson program with a full-time load of students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style emphasizes areas that the student enjoys playing, as well as method books and technique exercises that will advance their playing. Developing and solidifying core concepts in lessons is more important to me than speeding through exercises in a book, and I always stress the importance of doing things right before moving on. I encourage my students to practice at their own pace, however I always stress that picking up the instrument for even just ten minutes a day for a week is better than one day for an hour. Read More