Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Bachelor Degree: Transylvania University
2019- Transylvania University Concerto and Aria Competition Winner
2014- Member of Macy's Great American Marching Band
2014- Recipient of Bob and Delores Hope Foundation Scholarship
I have recently graduated from Transylvania University with a BA in Studio art and a minor in music and a minor in history. From marching in New york City with the Macy's Great American Marching Band to winning Transylvania's concerto and aria competition, music has provided me with endless joy and opportunity over the past 10 years- something thatyou will soon learn, too! I've learned under multiple professional saxophonists and use a combination of their and my own methods in lessons. No student is the same, so our lessons will be completely unique. No matter your skillset coming in, I hope to improve your fundamentals and help you develop and accurate and successful technique that will benefit you throughout your musical life.
While I am new to taking on private students of my own, I have had many opprtunities to teach groups and individuals in their studies. In high school I often volunteered with elementary and middle school students to work on band repetoire and fundamentals that would benefit them in their classes. I was also section leader throughout high school and was the principle saxophone in college, and would assist my fellow students in grasping diddicult sections and techniques. I look forward to taking on students and helping them improve and reach their goals!
For all beginners, I like to start with the very basics to establish good habits and knowledge that will put them ahead and benefit them throughout their musical careers. All students will begin by learning proper embouchure, finger positions, breathing techniques and air control. We will also begin every lessons with practicing long tones and major scales. Learning these things in the beginning will be immensly helpful and prevent having to break bad habits and "relearn" how to play your instrument properly. We will also work out of Rubank's Elementary method book, which I require students to have, so they can practice out of. If students are in band or an ensemble, we can also work on pieces they are playing, as well as work towards solo repetoire if they wish to play in a recital. For adult beginners, I can cater towards what you wish to achieve. Intermediate students will focus more on solo repetoire and etudes, and will be required to bring Rubank's Intermediate Method. We will still ensure you are sound on the basics, but will be more flexible in lessons to achieve your personal goals.
The most important thing to me in teaching is to ensure that the student is learning and *enjoying* their instrument. Playing the saxophone has brought me so much personal joy and FUN and I want all of my students to have the same experience! I realize that not every student is the same and that some teaching methods may not work as well for some as they do for others, which is why I work hard to make every student's lesson unique and focus on how they can and want to progress. We will find what makes playing fun for the individual and work from there!