MM University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Saxophone Performance (2016-2018)
BM Temple University, Saxophone Performance (2012-2016)
Awards:
2014 Collegiate Division Winner Adelphi Chamber Orchestra Young Artists Competition 2014 Temple University Symphony Orchestra Student Soloist Award 2015 Elmer M. Yarnell Scholarship
Overview:
I am an actively performing concert and chamber musician as well as a passionate instructor. In 2014, I began taking orchestral auditions to be a solo concert saxophonist and got the opportunity to perform under former Philadelphia Orchestra assistant conductor, Maestro Luis Biava. Since then I have been a part of several world premieres of contemporary chamber and concert music and have had the opportunity to perform in venues such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Trinity Center for Urban Life in Philadelphia, PA; the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City, and Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Temple University, in 2017 I performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA; the New England Saxophone Symposium at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; as well as a solo and chamber music recital at Smith College in Northampton, MA. The performance at Smith College included a premiere quartet piece entitled Women of the Wall dedicated to the Women of the Wall Non-profit Organization in Jerusalem. The performance was recorded and featured on the Organization’s web page in May of 2017.
EXPERIENCE
I began taking private students two years ago with an age range of 14 years old to 62 years old. Since beginning my Master's Degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, I am the TA for the Saxophone Department and I currently have 8 students (Freshman and Sophomore Undergraduates). I like to emphasize fundamentals to my students and each week hold them accountable for retaining these fundamental skills such as finger placement and technique, posture and air support and maintaining a steady embouchure. Eradicating bad habits early will help make picking up the instrument every day a much more enjoyable experience and reaping the rewards from this progress every week. I also emphasize self-discovery and experimentation in a student's development and daily practice. I make it fully known their practice and development is entirely personal and it is up to them how much they practice and how far they would like to go with their playing. I will be there for them for as long as they would like, but I simply offer them the tools and hold them solely responsible for their progress.
METHODS USED
For all students I begin with an essential book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal. For students who are just beginning the instrument, I like to include the Rubank Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Method Books for Saxophone as well as the Selected Duets both by H. Voxman. Then we would advance to introducing etudes with 48 Famous Studies by W. Ferling. Then I will begin to include beginner repertoire. For students interested in developing a jazz vocabulary I like to use Technique of the Saxophone by Joseph Viola Volume I and II as well as Jamey Aebersold How to Play Jazz and Improvise.
LESSON STYLE
The most rewarding experiences have been watching my students develop a passion for their instrument and cultivate their own voice as a musician. By reinforcing fundamentals as well giving as a thorough, detailed explanation of the hardware and tendencies of the saxophone itself, each week I encourage the student to take the primary role in their progression. I make suggestions and offer the tools for their improvement, but ultimately it is up to them to see what works best for their personal growth.
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