Saxophone Lessons in Somerville, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching is my passion, because it provides the constant challenge of finding ways to unlock a young musician's potential. No two students learn the same way. While I can rely on my "bag" of techniques and methods, I believe each student requires and deserves a unique plan to help them reach their fullest musical potential. Part of what I love about teaching involves the time spent getting to know a student, and working with them to construct a plan that leads to success. 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 Music

My teaching experience dates back to my touring years when I was an active performer. I have more than ten years of formal and informal experience performing, producing, and teaching music. Nowadays I mostly teach and work with music and technology. As mentioned above, I always teach the student to listen first, to appreciate the chosen style or genre and then, reproduce it. I think the most important thing to learn about music is that you need to let it become second nature. Read More

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

I am a very relaxed and chill person, even as a teacher. I will push you, though. I know that students' successes must be acknowledged and I do not hold back praise for my students. At the same time, I also bring their weaknesses for them to see. I aim to help them come up with plans to overcome their weaknesses and better their playing. At the same time, I look to see how far a student can be pushed. 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 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: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

As you can see from my profile picture, I have expanded my instrument playing capabilities so that I can teach many different instrument families. I am a current elementary music teacher as well as a private instructor. I am proficient in and can provide basic-intermediate instruction in all instruments listed in my profile. I also have experience teaching each of those instruments. For advanced students preparing for college auditions, I can teach saxophone and jazz piano. Read More