Saxophone Lessons in Island Lake, IL

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Through those years, I made sure to always keep my door open to anyone who was seeking advice about music. While in my undergrad, I also had summers of teaching marching band and being a camp counselor. These experiences equipped me to not only educate kids musically but to mentor them as a role model in life. I have always taken advantage of an opportunity to learn and I feel as though I am able to instill that into my students when I work with them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

I tend to use the Rubank Method Books and Essential Element books for the essential warm-up, practice and to gain valuable techniques that are often overlooked with classroom teachers. For both students and adults I feel it is necessary to have fun while progressing forward. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

How I teach is heavily influenced by my wish to hopefully one day pass on the same love and passion I have for music. The purpose of our lessons will be to find which ways of practicing work best for you and help you improve as efficiently as possible. I will focus on making you the best musician and individual you can be. I try to be as flexible as possible with my students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I can remember the first time I heard the music of John Coltrane. I was thirteen and had just begun learning saxophone. His music was deeply moving and inspired me to pursue a life of music - specifically jazz saxophone. Best decision I've ever made! I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BM in Jazz Saxophone Performance. While in school I had the privilege of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker, Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, and many more. Read More