Saxophone Lessons in Kettering, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

A native Washingtonian, tenor saxophonist Brian graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of The Arts, a product of master teacher and musician Davey Yarborough. He earned his BFA from The New School University in New York City, studying under Arnie Lawrence, Steve Neil, Charles Davis, Reggie Workman and Chico Hamilton. In 2008 Brian completed a Master of Music (MM) degree from Howard University where he was a graduate teaching assistant and student of saxophone virtuoso, Charlie Young. Among others, Brian has performed with Curtis Fuller, Gil Scott-Heron, Shirley Horn, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Clarke, Mickey Roker, Butch Warren, Freddie Redd, Tom Abbs & Frequency Response and currently plays with Tomas Fujiwara and the Hookup. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe

I will typically begin with Alfred's Basic Piano Library book for piano students, as I believe that the best way to truly learn music is by playing songs instead of exercises designed to demonstrate techniques and concepts. Alfred's Piano Library offers exercises in the forms of music that increases with difficulty as new material and concepts are introduced to the student. With younger students especially, I always start with instructing the student on the basics of their instrument, such as the proper terminology, how the instrument actually produces sound, and proper maintenance. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a recent VCUarts Music graduate. My concentration was jazz saxophone. I have been playing saxophone for over 20 years, but the last four years have been intense, as I was working diligently to complete my music degree. I have been a member of several small jazz ensembles since 2019, and I also served as lead tenor saxophonist in VCU's Jazz Orchestra I for two years. My biggest takeaway from VCU is that I have a genuine love for music, and I am committed to spending the rest of my life learning about it. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My approach to teaching is that the student should be having a good time playing. There are so many different pieces of music out there, students can play a great variety of works at all different skill levels, and still be able to develop their intonation, articulation, and fingering accuracy. I will make sure students are working on pieces challenging enough so that they get something out of playing it, but not so challenging they are discouraged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Music is supposed to be fun, dynamic, and a way of expression. So I never attach myself or the student to a given program or method, but I offer a tailored program that bettersuits the student needs. I like to explore the student's musical tastes, skills, and to introduce new ones. My teaching methods are a mixture of discovery and practice that may or may not use formal books and methods. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More