Max S
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Marching Band
Max S
Instruments: Saxophone
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
MM, The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, Saxophone Performance
BM, Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, Saxophone Performance
Toured nationally with Asylum Quartet Music Faculty, Camp Encore/Coda Instrumental Music Program Director, URJ Six Points Creative Arts Academy
I have worked with over 2,500 students in one-on-one lessons, educational workshops, and outreach concerts. My lessons focus on developing technique, practice strategies, a good sound, aural skills, music theory knowledge, and stylistic fluency. Though I specialize in saxophone, I also love teaching beginning and intermediate piano.
***Lesson Materials*** Saxophone students must have an instrument in good repair and required accessories (reeds, mouthpiece, etc.). Piano students must have access to a tuned piano or an electric keyboard with touch-sensitive, weighted keys. I am happy to recommend instrument and accessory brands; please check with me before a major purchase. Quality, working equipment is critical to students’ success. I periodically request that students purchase books and other lesson materials.
IMPORTANT: If you are planning to buy a saxophone or mouthpiece, please consult with me first. Having good-quality instrument/accessories will help you achieve your success. There are a number of cheap products that are easy to find and purchase, but they are often of poor quality. I can recommend options for your first purchase that may be more expensive, but will help you succeed in the long term.
My private students have placed into selective programs including the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble at The Hartt School, the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Band, and Interlochen Arts Camp. I teach saxophone at Manchester Community College, South Windsor High School, Camp Encore / Coda, and Music and Arts East Hartford. I believe students of all ages can find enjoyment and success in music. You'll benefit from my years of experience as a professional performing musician.
From 2012-2016 I toured with the Asylum Quartet, an award-winning ensemble acclaimed for virtuosity, creativity, and innovation. I have also performed with the Juilliard Orchestra, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, and International Opera Theater. I hold a Master's in Music from The Hartt School and a Bachelor of Music summa cum laude from Arizona State University (ASU).
Level I (Late Elementary / Early Middle School): Modern Course for the Saxophone (Hegvik) Do It! Play Alto Saxophone (Froseth) Elementary Method (Rubank) Basic Rhythmic Training (Starer) My First Universal Sax (Deville) Developing Musicianship Through Improvisation (Azzara) Chop Monster, Books 1-2 (Berg) Basic Jazz Conception (Niehaus)
Level II (Late Middle School / Early High School): The Art of Saxophone Playing, The Saxophonist's Workbook (Teal) Intermediate Method (Rubank) Alto and Tenor Duets (Gee) Selected Duets (Voxman) Easy Jazz Conception (Snidero) Aebersold selected volumes Intermediate Jazz Conception (Niehaus) Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Jazz Saxophone Duets (Fishman)
Level III (Late High School / Early College): Les Gammes (Londeix) Voicing (Sinta / Dabney) 48 Famous Studies (Ferling) Jazz Conception (Snidero) Advanced Rhythmic Training (Starer) Charlie Parker Omnibook (Aebersold / Slone) Advanced Jazz Conception (Niehaus)
I strive to make lessons enjoyable, rewarding, and challenging. I consider each student's individual needs and work with parents and students together to develop goals and practicing skills. I write down clear, measurable assignments each week and expect students to make significant progress on them through regular practice. I always try to work on music that students are interested in to help encourage progress and enjoyment. I know that a student who has fun taking lessons and practicing is more likely to stick with it long-term, so the student's sense of enjoyment is always my top priority.
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