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Master Degree: University of Northern Iowa, Bachelor Degree: The University of Wisconsin - Platteville
Jacob B, originally from Hartland, Wisconsin, is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin – Platteville with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Music Education and The University of Northern Iowa with a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance. Growing up Jacob was heavily involved in extracurricular music activities. Throughout middle and high school he attended two honor bands at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee twice a week and during the summer a band program run by the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Jacob also played in his friends’ bands participating in battle of the bands competitions and opening for Oconomowoc’s Beatle Bash 2013. During undergrad, Jacob studied with Allen Cordingley and was very involved in the music program. In addition to playing in the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1 at Platteville, Jacob also participated in the pit for musicals, jazz combos, Ken Killian’s Jazz Orchestra, KIDS from Wisconsin traveling summer group, among many other local gigs. At UNI Jacob served as Graduate Assistant to Dr. Ann Bradfield. Jacob was responsible for teaching undergraduate saxophone lessons, coaching saxophone quartets, maintaining the saxophone music library, and planning high school visits to name a few responsibilities. After an accomplished high school and college music experience, Jacob is now in his second year of teaching and first year as the 7th and 8th grade band director at Denver CSD.
My teaching experience dates back to high school, I was the section leader in both Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1, so running the sectionals I had to have a proficient understanding of the style and instrument to relay that information to the other members of the section. This continued through my undergraduate degree and evolved into coaching jazz combos and leading other groups. In graduate school I was directly responsible for teaching many undergraduate saxophone lessons and in teaching the saxophone techniques course to music education majors. I have been teaching in a private studio setting ever since. I teach every common band instrument at my job as the Middle School Band Instructor at Denver CSD.
Private saxophone lessons for all ages and levels – all learners are welcome from all places and walks of life. Every student is valued and encouraged to find music in whatever way they feel fit. These lessons are for all types of students including those just playing for fun, students pursuing higher education, beginners, or if you want a little extra help with chair placements and auditions. More specifically I cater the lessons to the needs of each individual student. I work with them to outline short-term and long-term goals and develop a curriculum that meets those needs. All students of mine will receive instruction in the following: – Rhythm/Note Accuracy – Technique Studies: articulation, scales, hand position, posture, vibrato, etc… – Tone Studies (Voicing) – Etude Studies – Solo Repertoire – Jazz Theory (as requested) – Improvisation Techniques – Band/School Music if any
Every student is valued and encouraged to find music in whatever way they feel fit. These lessons are for all types of students including those just playing for fun, students pursuing higher education, beginners, or if you want a little extra help with chair placements and auditions. I set goals with each of my students and develop a curriculum that fits those needs. Often times this results in a large list of possible things to practice. I guide the students to prioritize the things that make the most sense for their personal goals. These are the baseline expectations I have for all my students: Students will need to bring the following materials to lessons: Saxophone (in good working condition) Relevant Books or Sheet Music Working Reeds Neck Strap Mouthpiece and Ligature Cork Grease (as needed) Tuner/Metronome Apps Notebook, Pencil, and Eraser Practice and Preparation Students are expected to practice their lesson materials each week and come to the next lesson with improvements. Consistent practice is more important than lengthy practice. While the results of your practice will increase with the time put in, practicing for even 5 minutes a day is better than skipping a day of practice. Practicing on just the mouthpiece is some of the most meaningful activities we do and this can be accomplished in under 5 minutes a day. More advanced students are expected to put in more time. On average, students should plan on practicing: Beginner: 1 – 1.5 hours/week (15 – 20 minutes/day) Intermediate: 1.5 – 2.5 hours/week (20 – 30 minutes/day) Advanced: 3 – 5 hours/week (45 – 60 minutes/day)