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BFA, The New School For Performing Arts, Jazz Studies
Masters in Jazz Temple University
2010 Selection into the National Grammy Jazz Band
2010 1ST Place for Original Composition NAACP ACT-SO, Kansas City, KS
2010 The Dave Matthews Band during the Grammy Awards
2011 Afro Latin Jazz Alliance led by Auturo O’Farrell at the Symphony Space
2012 Exit Zero Inaugural Jazz Festival, Cape May, NJ
2013, 2014 Headlined TGI Fridays “Summer Live Music Series
2015 Released The Element, debut CD of original jazz compositions
2015 Performed at The Moma's New Music for New York Concert Series
2016 Performed saxophone with Rihanna at the VMA’s
2017-2018 Performed saxophone with Solange at the Guggenheim Museum
2021 Performed saxophone with H.E.R.
2024 Grammy Award Winng Saxophonist ( for Tye Tribbet All Things New Live in Orlando)
I'm an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who finds immense joy in guiding students on their musical journey. My passion for music ignited during my formative years and culminated in the pursuit of higher education. In 2015, I proudly earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from The New School of Performing Arts, where I honed my skills under the mentorship of esteemed professors. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to embark on life-changing performance opportunities across the globe. From intimate venues to prestigious concert halls, each stage has been a canvas for artistic expression. One of the most unforgettable moments was gracing the iconic Museum of Modern Art l in New York, where I shared my love for the saxophone and jazz with a captivated audience. These experiences have not only shaped me as a musician but also fueled my passion for teaching. I believe in fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where students can explore their creativity and unlock their musical potential. Whether guiding a budding virtuoso or instilling a lifelong appreciation for music in a beginner, I am committed to helping each student thrive and find their own voice in the world of music.
My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons during my summers off over a decade ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular consistent daily practice is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I advocate for my students to immerse themselves in whatever musical styles they admire, while also guiding them to the source material crucial for the development of mastery. I'm always looking to bring on new motivated students of all ages!
For all of my students of any age, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and learning a recognizable song hand picked by the student and approved by me. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce jazz repertoire, sight reading and things like, technical exercises, jazz improvisation, theory, ear training and classical music etudes. I also introduce my students to composition and different musical creation techniques. I like to provide a vast but detailed instruction so students can take the information i give them and explore and discover more on their own.
I prioritize individualized progress, recognizing that each student follows their unique path in their musical journey. To support this, I establish realistic goals tailored to each student's abilities and aspirations during our lessons. Acknowledging achievements serves as a powerful motivator, igniting a student's drive to reach new heights in their musical pursuits. I find that celebrating milestones not only instills a sense of accomplishment but also cultivates a hunger for further learning. It's remarkable to witness how these small victories fuel a student's eagerness to delve deeper into their musical exploration. Understanding what sparks a student's interest is key to crafting personalized instruction that resonates with them. By delving into their inspirations and aspirations, I can tailor my teaching approach to align with their unique wants and needs. Whether it's a favorite artist, a particular style of music, or a desire to master a specific technique, I strive to create a learning environment that fosters their passion and cultivates their potential.