Saxophone Lessons in Russell, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been playing saxophone for over 20 years! I've been teaching private lessons since my college days at Eastern Illinois University. Since then I have gone on to teach High School Jazz Band, General Music and Orchestra at several schools in Chicago and it's suburbs.   Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching throughout my career as a saxophonist and got my first student in 2007. My students find the best results if they love their instrument and have their own motivation to improve. My role is not only instructing someone to better play saxophone, but being an encouraging and positive force in a student's life. I've seen that when a student gains confidence and discipline, their learning curve typically skyrockets.I know I've done well when my student feels themselves improving and gets excited about meeting their full potential.There are countless styles and sounds in music, and I build a foundation on that equips students to seek out their own musical path. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

My teaching methods vary greatly for every student. I'll approach all of my first lessons the same. I asses your playing and discuss your goals. Next we work on a plan to help you achieve your goals. I've keenly aware that everyone has different learning styles and aim to discover every student's style so that I can most effectively teach them. All of our lessons will focus on the fundamentals of good music making - tone, rhythm, time, pitch, musicality, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching saxophone and clarinet since a student at the University of Wisconsin from 1984 - 1989, where I was an instructor with the School of Music Institute at UW-Madison. Through the Institute, I had the opportunity to teach students from the Madison WI area ranging in age from elementary through high school. I have also been a sectional instructor at the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic for both jazz and classical saxophone sections. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My experiences with teaching began in my later high school years - I was part of a community service organization at school dedicated to teaching local elementary school students at any grade. Since then, I've taught primarily clarinet students independently at Butler University in Indianapolis. I've also enjoyed a good deal of larger classroom work, as I was involved in two internships, one at the elementary level (3rd - 5th General Music) and one at the secondary (7th - 8th General Music). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More