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2011 - Pi Kappa Lambda Music Society Member
2015 - Best Jazz Album Award - San Diego Music Awards
I am a passionate and well-experienced instructor who genuinely enjoys sharing the gift of music with his students. In 2011, I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies on saxophone. In 2017, I graduated from the graduate program at California Institute of the Arts with a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Jazz. I have had the opportunity to perform all across the United States and abroad collaborating with artists like multi-Platinum RnB vocalist Frankie J, Grammy-award winning producer Kamau Kenyatta and the highly esteemed San Diego Symphony. I continue to work actively in the music industry as a performer, record session musician, arranger and producer.
My teaching experience started shortly after receiving my Bachelor's degree in 2011. I have taught both in-home lessons and in music studios and conservatories. Students of mine have continued their musical studies at Harvard, Eastman, UCLA and others. Having held positions as an Adjunct Faculty in Music, I have a strong understanding of how to help students reach their musical goals. I specialize in getting beginners of all ages started quickly using a method of motivating goal-setting. Each lesson is tailored to the students needs but also their musical interests. Who says a flute can't play rock music or a saxophone can't play hip hop?! Drawing from a variety of material, students are more likely to stay engaged and develop the consistent practice routines that are essential for success!
For young beginning students, I commonly use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once a student grasps the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce outside repertoire for study which is often musically arranged by myself for the specific student. I also supplement lessons with any other musical material they might receive in school focusing on ensemble playing or performance help. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level.
A student's success is a teacher's success! I am passionate about helping students achieve their goals by setting a positive and encouraging atmosphere in lessons. Building positive rapport is important to me and, like any teacher, I expect the best effort and growth mindset from students. I actively involve students in setting realistic goals for each lesson to boost their musical confidence. Students ask, "What if I make a mistake?" Mistakes are a natural and essential part of growth. Yes! Squeaks, squawks and flubs are encouraged as a means to improve! Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more.