Saxophone Lessons in East Vandergrift, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe in meeting a student where they are. Stuffy method books and strict teaching regiments are not going to give the same results from each student. Finding music students like to play is a better way to get them excited about playing and will become an entryway into learning the more mundane parts of playing the instrument. After all, the musical concepts I want my students to learn can be found in all kinds of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons part time in high school. I have been teaching for five years and I have been consistently teaching students in their homes and at my studio at Westminster. I have encouraged regular practice, especially in younger students so they can develop their skills and passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

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

For piano students, I prefer Alfred's methods, whether the adult or for beginners. For band and orchestra, I use Essential Elements (or whatever their school is using), and supplement with Rubank's methods. For voice, I concentrate on whatever the student is interested in, with a foundation of good technique and understanding of the voice range and how to control it, with some solfege and sight-singing mixed in. Whatever the instrument, I follow and listen to the student to understand what they need, and change my curriculum to suit them. Read More