Saxophone Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

I have had a desire to be an educator since I was in second grade. The first music ensemble I directed was a men's choir at Huntley High School in Huntley, Illinois. I proceeded to direct worship choirs and bands at Carthage College for my four years at Carthage. After Carthage I became the music teacher at Fratt Elementary School in Racine, Wisconsin where I taught general music and directed the annual fourth and fifth grade musical. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

When a student begins taking lessons from me, I will first assess their musical abilities and ask them what their goals are as a player. I then create a custom lesson plan. This plan is tailored to their goals, but is also based on the areas in their playing that need attention. Fundamentals are emphasized. Some topics covered in lessons may include reading music, embouchure, air flow, listening, tone quality, reeds, improvisation, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching when I was still a student at Northwestern University. When I graduated in 1986 with an MM degree I began to pursue it full time which took me to many different middle/high schools in the area. I also taught at Lake Forest College as well as Saint Xavier University. In addition, I have also taught many beginners over the years. Other teaching experiences include group lessons, sectionals, master classes, and playing for patients in the oncology wing at Sherman Hospital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Sharing my excitement about music is something I truly enjoy. By setting weekly lesson goals, and independent practice objectives, students will be able to grow at their own speed and maximize their musical potential! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I don't believe there is one absolute method and encourage my students to find whatever sparks musical joy in them, so I can help them pursue that. I can learn so much as a teacher by being shown what makes other people creatively stimulated. This is one my favorite parts about teaching! I can provide the knowledge and exercises to build a strong musical foundation, but it is up to the student to use these skills to express their own musicality and to access all the of the music they love on a deeper level. 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