Saxophone Lessons in Smithsburg, DC

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: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

Currently, I teach at at an elementary school in Palm Beach County. (Florida Public Schools) I am teaching ages k-5 general music, chorus, and band. The instruments I teach weekly include trumpets, violins, flutes, keyboards, piano, guitar, and bass. When I student taught high school teachers at the Boston Latin School, (Boston Public Schools) I taught chorus, string ensembles, AP music theory and all ensemble instruments in every family. Before formally teaching, I was a private composition and music theory tutor for college peers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

As an instructor, my job is to give the student every opportunity possible to discover their passion for music. The first lesson is always about providing a safe relaxed tone and finding out where that student's progress is. Not establishing an accurate assessment of their progress can be very destructive because it could cause me to come off as either too demanding or condescending. Depending on what their level is, I will design a custom curriculum to bring their weaknesses to the same level as their strengths. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I intend to see progress in every student! I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at the begging of each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps boost a student hunger to learn more! By trying to find out what inspires the student I can succefully tailor my instruction to the wants and needs of every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

My approach to teaching is based on a large amount of communication between the students, the parents, and I. I love to know what my students are thinking in order to enhance what they are looking for in musicianship. I believe that musicians should be allowed to play and learn freely, however, the foundation given by learning jazz theory, gives any musicianship a bigger dynamic of playing for whatever genre they specifically like to play. 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: Voice Saxophone

In the initial meeting with a student I talk through what they want to accomplish what genre's of music the would like to play and what kind of personality they have. Then I have more of an understanding of what direction to go in to personalize the teaching. I believe very much in the saying "there's only one way to Carnegie Hall PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE". I don't force structure and scales etc. Read More