Saxophone Lessons in Rectortown, VA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am an experienced woodwind teacher and in the past seven years I have helped many students with their school music, audition materials, and/or music for pure enjoyment. I hold both my bachelor and Master's degree in music education and I've had many years of band teaching experience. I have been the member of several local symphonic band and pit orchestra of Long Island, NY region until 2011. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

First I like to get a snap shot of the student's goals and sources of inspiration, once I figure that out I can tailor my instruction around their wants and needs. I see myself as an accountability partner with my students and so I help my students set goals for their progress, celebrate their successes, and evaluate the shortfalls. I encourage loved ones to be a supportive and active part of the process as that encouragement can fuel a student's desire to grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love to see my students overcome challenges in music. My music teacher used to say, "nothing is hard, or difficult, just challenging." If students learn how to practice effectively on their own, learning new music becomes easier over time. I teach my students how to approach a certain rhythm, phrase, or fingering and the techniques to do so correctly such as by slowing down and practicing with a metronome, our muscle memory will be able to play it up to speed once it's learned. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

My beginnings as a teacher go back to my undergrad in Puerto Rico where I would teach in a music academy with students from ages 10-17. As my academic life expanded I moved to Florida where I was the Teacher Assistant for my Masters degree for 2 years. There I taught college level students from all ages in classical music. In my Doctorate I also had the opportunity to be Teacher assistant for 2 years for Master students and undergrad where my focus was jazz, blues, pop and all sorts of commercial music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I have at my disposal a variety of method books and exercises that I use with my students, depending on their age, level of achievement, and particular needs. I tend to use Accent on Achievement, the Breeze-Easy Methods, and the Belwin/Alfred Student Instrumental Course for young and developing players. As the student advances, I use the Rubank Advanced Method Volume I, then transfer to method books specific to the particular instrument being studied. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More