Saxophone Lessons Midwest

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone

For beginning piano students, I like to teach out of the Faber and Faber books. I like to go through three method books and then move into more advanced solo repertoire. For saxophone I use custom and tailor made assignments and methods focusing on sound primarily, followed by technique so the student can understand the fundamentals of how their body works with their instrument. For both saxophone and piano students I encourage a high degree of self direction as I believe that gives students the ability to seek and find what kind of things they enjoy and want to get better at. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Viola, Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Along with the guided listening, we would also start with fundamental musical skills. For any instrument, this would include scales and modes, time, and technique, and for saxophone this would also include sound production. I'm primarily a jazz musician, so my lessons would also include developing the ability to improvise. Improvisation doesn't necessarily have to happen in a jazz context, but that's how I would be teaching it. I would have them start working on solo transcriptions (ear training!) because I believe thats the best way to learn how to improvise. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Harp, Accordion, Harmonica, Lap Steel Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Recorder, Lute, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Shakuhachi, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Djembe, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I have over twenty years of experience in teaching public classes and private lessons. I have a great joy in discovering breakthrough moments where everybody can work together towards achieving their personal goals. Though it is true that every person is unique and different, it is always great where folks can get together and share the love that is music whether that be performing or simply sharing a tune with a loved one or neighbor. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums

My methods are executed with one core value in mind: create a life long learner and lover of music. This means I establish the fundamentals of theory with beginning students and reinforce them with intermediate students. Before an instrument is played, the concepts of rhythm, note value, and scales must be approached in an engaging way. With collaboration over curriculum, I would work with the student to find his/her interests and inspiration, making the journey worthwhile and fun! Read More