Darren L
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
Darren L
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Performer's Certificate, Western Illinois University, Saxophone Performance MM, Western Illinois University, Saxophone Performance BS, Quincy University, Music Education and Saxophone Performance
Awards:
2013 - Joseph Fisher Performance Award 2013-14 - Marching Band Drum Major 2014 - Leonora Suppan-Gehric Music Scholarship 2014 - Joseph Fisher Performance Award 2015 - Director's Award
Overview:
Music is my passion and I love to share it with anyone eager to learn. I have been playing the saxophone for over a decade, graduated with two degrees and a certificate in education and performance, and have had many experiences in wind ensembles, jazz bands, quartets, marching bands, orchestras, and various other groups. Fortunately, before moving to Wisconsin, I worked with several private students ranging from middle school students to more advanced high school students and college undergraduates, and also adult lessons. My philosophy is anyone can learn, including myself. I love teaching because I can share my knowledge and experiences, but also have the opportunity to learn from others as well.
EXPERIENCE
In my undergraduate program, I observed several elementary, middle, and high school music classes that ranged from jazz band to marching band and concert band. My final semester, I student taught at a high school in my home state of Missouri, and I have even been invited back to teach the saxophone students there. Over the course of my three years at Western Illinois University, I usually taught three or four private students a semester either at their homes or at their schools. In addition to my saxophone education, I took clarinet lessons under two instructors and conducting lessons under my world-famous Wind Ensemble director.
METHODS USED
I have found that most students in my original area who learned saxophone were taught in various ways that brought up issues later on in their musical career. I focus on fingering exercises and scales for beginners to ease the hardships brought up later and introduce options. Then, we begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. For more advanced students, we can work on musicality and discuss goals, such as solo and ensemble, the all-state music festival, and other performances or competitions.
LESSON STYLE
My two philosophies for music are in learning and musicality. You're never too old, young, experienced, etc. to pick up an instrument. It takes time and dedication, and I expect my students to work hard, practice, and ask questions if they don't understand something. I also enjoy working with a variety of students because I learn how to teach things differently if someone doesn't understand. What I really enjoy is focusing on the music as opposed to learning the notes and rhythms. When a student and I are able to play music, and they feel and enjoy it, the whole experience is worthwhile.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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