Saxophone Lessons in Gladstone, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approach to all my students, children and adults alike, takes on a friendly, casual appearance while at the same time utilizing my classical and technical training. I believe music is the most joyous of all "subjects" to study and my greatest desire is for my students to learn a lot while feeling the joy that music provides. Having said that, studying with me will be fun, detailed, technical and productive. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I believe that it's best to learn by example, and in music this is often by demonstrating with the instrument. I will always have my instrument out to play along, or demonstrate what I am expecting. I expect my students to practice what is assigned to them so we can both have a productive session with each other, however I do understand that life happens. I try different techniques throughout the lesson to ensure that what I'm teaching is resonating with the student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I discovered my talent for teaching during my college days where I found myself tutoring classmates who were behind in their classes.  It was also around this time where I began giving music clinics to local high school bands. I enjoyed the feeling of helping others succeed and decided to start accepting private students.  Are you a beginning student still learning notes?  Maybe you're a seasoned player just wanting to get better? Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My joy is to see progress and growth in my students. I also enjoy seeing their love of music develop.  I take each student where they are: beginner or advanced, and put goals in place for them.  Such goals can be things like learning music for solo and ensemble band / orchestra competitions, performing in their Church, or putting together a jazz band or classical ensemble for concerts. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

One of the best parts of teaching is seeing a student accomplish something they previously thought they couldn't do. I'm here to tell you that you can do it! Whether you want to learn to play some tough classical pieces or some of your favorite songs on your instrument, or just develop a deeper understanding of music as a whole, I can help get you there. As a teacher, I think it's important to take a broad view of the impact on music education on students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For kids I find that having a large quantity of music to learn at each level gives more variety and sense of achievement, so I usually recommend beginning students have multiple books to aid in learning. For example a young piano student will study from lesson, theory, performance, and technique books each week. This yields a well-rounded student who is proud of their achievements and eager to move forward. For adults I recommend a lesson/theory combination book at least to help with reading music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

For beginning students, I have used Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as Nancy Faber's Adventures series. For piano students, I like to use Hanon exercises to develop not only necessary musculature but also disciplined use of a metronome for practicing. For students interested in exploring music theory and/or jazz, I use the Real Book combined with my own materials explaining the theory around chord symbols, chord scales, modes, and the like. Read More