Saxophone Lessons in Lake Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Because I accept children as young as 3, my methods vary quite drastically. I also work with children who have learning disabilities, so I like to cater my lessons to the needs of the student. We play a LOT of games and when I feel they are ready, they can progress to books. I use everything from Hal Leonard and Bastien to Alfred and Faber Faber. Being a Special Education Aide, I understand that no book is a one size fits all". Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm a professional musician and educator who has lived in Chicagoland with my wife and two boys for the last 18 years. I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio and received my BM from Capital University there. From there I was Music Director for one of Royal Caribbean's ships and then I made the move to Chicago in mid-1996. From then until now I have become one of the top/first call saxophonist/woodwind musicians in the city of Chicago and have performed all over the world with musical lumaries such as Aretha Franklin, The OJays, Brian McKnight, Diana Ross, Al Jarreau, The Temps and dozens of others! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important aspect of teaching music is to keep the student excited and engaged! I want my students to be eager to learn. I keep all lessons fun and casual, but stress the importance of hard work. I always encourage daily practice sessions, even if just for 15 - 20 minutes. Repetition is key! I discuss our goals for the lessons (what do you want to get out of the lesson? why do you want to learn saxophone?) and strive to meet our goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I began teaching people how to play instruments when I was in high school, by teaching new students to the band how to play percussion. I then continued teaching once in college by volunteering at local high schools helping new students to the band programs learn brass and percussion. From there I worked with the Rich South high school band director and the Jack Hille middle school band directors. Once I graduated college I taught choir and instrumental music for the catholic school system for two years. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For individual study, I use a number of diverse methods, depending on the needs and goals of the student. Beginner students will start with the Hal Leonard Beginner series, focused on mastering the fundamentals. Once a students has mastered the foundational technical scales, arpeggios, articulation; and understanding of time and tempo, we can proceed to augmenting the classical studies with jazz studies. For more intermediate - advanced students, we continue with the Hal Leonard series and augment with the Paul DeVille Universal Method for Saxophone, Klose 25 Daily Exercises, Voxman Selected Studies Books, and transcriptions of Bach (Cello Suites) and Taffanel (Flute Studies). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

As important as it is for me to help improve students technical ability and tone, I believe it is equally important for me to find ways to nurture students' creativity and passion for music. I believe it is very important for students to listen to a wide range of music, especially the type of music they are studying, in order to develop their awareness of style and nuance. I also encourage students to create their own exercises in addition to the ones I assign. Read More