Saxophone Lessons in Great Falls, VA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I believe it is imperative to create a positive, musical learning environment for my students and cultivate their love for music. My lessons are individualized and tailored to meet the individual student's musical goals, level and learning style. I provide each student with a practice sheet to monitor their progress. Different students have different skill levels and different needs. Therefore, I assign each student a realistic, attainable goal for each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I have at my disposal a variety of method books and exercises that I use with my students, depending on their age, level of achievement, and particular needs. I tend to use Accent on Achievement, the Breeze-Easy Methods, and the Belwin/Alfred Student Instrumental Course for young and developing players. As the student advances, I use the Rubank Advanced Method Volume I, then transfer to method books specific to the particular instrument being studied. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I believe that developing a methodical way of practicing and thinking about music reading, tone production, and creating rhythm is the key to unlocking the ability of students to enjoy the music they produce. Therefore, my teaching style is methodical in that I try to be consistent with expectations for prepared material and activities for each lesson, while also being flexible to the unique needs of individual students. I also like to play with my students-- duets are a great way for students who are not in school ensemble to get a taste of what music is about, creating something beautiful with other people! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Even though the students often wanted to give up and many times gave up, I would not give up on the student, and would continue to not only try to make a valuable learning experience, but an enjoyable one that they would remember forever. Once I began to teach private lessons, I kept the same mindset. If the student is having a bad day and not soaking in as much information, I would make sure that there was something new they could perform to ensure they felt some sort of progress and enjoyed their time, whether is was a piece with a new note, or a new fingering or technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

The recording of each lesson gives students something to look forward to at the end of our session. Whether they think that they've done really poorly or extremely well, I encourage them to listen to themselves critically and prepare to share genuine feedback. Then we discuss both their strengths and the areas of opportunity for growth. This practice helps students progress over time. Eventually, they become more expressive, creative, confident, engaged and excited about learning and sharing their talents with others. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Outside of Towson University, I was a woodwind specialist with the Westminster High School Marching Band. I have worked in various music stores including Bill’s Music House in order to strengthen my knowledge and pedagogy of other wind instruments. Professional memberships include Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity and the National Association for Music Education. In these organizations, I have held leadership positions such as Northeast District Secretary/Treasurer, Alumni Relations Officer, and 25th Anniversary Chair for Kappa Kappa Psi. Read More