Saxophone Lessons in Midland, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

All lessons are tailored to each students ability level, with the goal of creating specific, achievable objectives to foster a successful environment. Students tend to enjoy working on what they are passionate about, so I am interested in finding where a students musical passion exists, and incorporating it into lesson plans and assignments. I do not tolerate shortcuts, but rely on positive reinforcement to encourage students to develop their skills thoroughly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

My teaching experience dates back to four years ago when I had completed my AA degree in Music and I had decided to volunteer teaching music to both my old secondary school (high school) and the Barbados Pathfinder Band recruit program which I was a Band member of. Those sessions involved teaching the basics of music theory, aural skills, the rudiments of their instruments and the practice of discipline in practicing and the maintenance of their instrument(s).Therefore I believe that I can combine those same methods plus the 'new' ones that I have enquired over the past two years to make our music sessions fun, motivational and educational.Thus causing you to look forward in enhancing your need for learning about your instrument and yourself, the musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I had an opportunity to start teaching early as a student leader in my high school music program and continuing into college. I've found that my students have a much higher level of success when they are encouraged to practice regularly at home. I use classical repertoire to build techniques across styles and modern music to keep students engaged. If they aren't enjoying themselves, I'm not doing something correctly. I encourage students to enter recitals and competitions as well as create their own original material. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

I've enjoyed teaching a wide variety of students each year since 2009 with most being middle or high schoolers. Many students the opportunity to perform in recitals or other public performances and several students successfully auditioned for Maryland All State Ensembles. I was a private instructor and led woodwind sectionals at the Bullis School in Potomac, MD where I taught lessons for 8 years. My favorite style of music is from the Hard Bop Jazz Era of the 1950s-60s but I also enjoy teaching and performing a wide variety of styles. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

For beginning students I like to start with the same book I learned; Essential elements by Hal Leonard. This book comes with a play along that serves as stimuli to the young ear. A compliment and more flute oriented book is Flute 101-103 Which ranges from beginners to medium-advanced students. During this period I will add repertoire appropriate to the level of the student and according to national standards like NISMA and All State. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. My professional career as a jazz musician has taken me to Europe, Japan and the continental United States. I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. Read More