Saxophone Lessons in Granite Falls, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

If the student has no experience with music or the instrument, I will start them off with the very basics, such as: how to properly put together/take apart your instrument, proper care for the instrument, how to form a supportive and correct embouchure. This will also be accompanied by multiple books, which I usually recommend getting Essential Elements 2000 for complete beginners . We then have a foundation we can build on. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Music has been a big part of my life since I was in the third grade when I first joined the school choir. Eventually I migrated to playing Saxophone in middle school then to low brass in high school. After high school, I made the trombone my primary instrument, though I continued to play euphonium and tuba in college in various ensembles. I have had the opporunity to play all over the country including the Latin Jazz Grammys, the Playboy Jazz Festival, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, the IAJE conference, and for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For beginners, whilst working with a Standard of Excellence book, it's important to take the time to work on things on a smaller level throughout. Although working through the books and going onto the next level is the goal, I find it imperative ensure that the techniques are being fully utilized along the way. For example, we don't want to just read the notes and play along, we want to make sure that articulations, tone, breathing techniques and fingering is also being focused on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have been a martial arts instructor and basketball/baseball coach for many years.Working with younger people has given me the skills to be an understanding and compassionate music instructor.i approach every student as an individual with different goals and needs.My teaching system is to approach every new student as an unique individual.I am very comfortable with teaching the foundations of music as well teaching how to improvise and solo, especially in the jazz context.I have had my own teaching practice for over 20 years with ages 6-80 years old. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching saxophone lessons while in high school in Ferndale, WA. I was still taking private lessons at the time; as my skill level advanced, my teacher saw my potential as a teacher and started referring some beginning students to me. Throughout college, I gained experience working with youth and adult students of all levels. As I gained more experience teaching and continued my own musical studies, I became a better, more confident teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For wind instruments, I use the Rubank method books for exercises and whatever band method book is used in the student's school. Read More