Marcus J
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Marcus J
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BM, Western Michigan University, Jazz Performance
Awards:
2010-WMU Saxophone Scholarship 2010-WMU Improv Soloist Scholarship 2012-Trent Kynaston Award 2014 Performed with jazz orchestra for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Overview:
I'm a motivated teacher who really takes interest in my students and their development. Growing up, I always excelled in the arts but never had the opportunity to hone my skills with private lessons. That's why I treat each session with care and take education very seriously. In high school, I took an interest in composing and jazz improvisation. I was able to use those skills to obtain scholarships for University and continued to grow musically. After school, I toured parts of the world performing on a cruise ship for two years.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching when I was in college around the age of 18. I started with a small group of only a few kids and later advanced to teaching over two dozen per week. I was also offered the position of saxophone instructor at my high school's band camp for three consecutive Summers. In that setting, I coached all 20 kids in a classroom at once and helped them on the field with memorizing their steps and music. When it comes to teaching and keeping students engaged, I find it best to be able to relate to them on some level to peak their interest.
METHODS USED
For beginning students, I usually begin by playing with them so they feel comfortable first. This is the most important aspect of the lesson since one-on-one time can be intimidating unless each person is familiar with one another and each other's playing style. I often try and get a feel for what type of music they're into. This helps guide the lesson material in a way that moves smoothly and helps them excel while having fun. Having those fundamentals established is what's going to help me build a method layout for the individual since everyone learns at different rates.
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style has a balanced mixture of work and play. The work comes first and is always the forefront of each session. This will include warming up with long tone exercises, scales for balance and technique, sight reading and ear training. The play part means taking a break from the instrument, listening and discussing everything that we hear. It's a fun way to take their mind off of music assignments even though we're still practicing a form of ear training. I always leave my students with one solid method to think about or work on for the next time we meet.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.