Saxophone Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching style when helping out others is being laid back but also making sure that what we assign is being worked on. One thing that I have noticed in myself is that if I try to take more than I can handle, I set myself up for failure so making sure whatever we are working on is enough to keep you practicing until the next time we meet. I also love seeing anyone succeed so when that happens we make sure to be supportive but also make sure if something doesn't sound quite right we take some time to address that and see what we need to do so that next time you come, we are acing the material! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I really began teaching when I was in high school and then going into college. During high school I was discovered by different middle school and elementary school music teachers and asked to come teach their students. As I began working at different schools, I was asked to give private lessons. I taught beginner masterclasses, private lessons, and traveled to different schools for about two years. In 2017 I was offered a visual and musical teaching position with the Grants Pass Highschool Marching Band. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Below is a short list of positions that I have held over the last 20 years. I have worked with students grades 3 through 12 in a variety of styles and setting. Student Equity Director & Introductory Instrumental Teacher - Seattle JazzED (www.seattlejazzed.org) 2015 - Present Certified Music Teacher (California and Washington) Music Teacher - Virgil Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) 2010 - 2015 Asst. Director and Coordinator- Los Angeles Unified School District Honor Marching Band - 1997 - 2015 Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Over the years I have truly been lucky to have music take me all sorts of places I had never imagined it could, and so I can only hope to help others in their journey as well. I for one have been able to maintain my fascination and love of music by setting specific learning goals, just slightly ahead of my skill level. Most of the time this turns me towards the greats of the past, as so many jazz musicians have done before. 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: 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