Thomas K
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Thomas K
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
Doctoral Degree: Florida State University
Master Degree: University of Missouri - Kansas City
Bachelor Degree: Montclair State University
2018 - MTNA State Young Artist Competition
2017 - Montclair State University Concerto Competition
2017 - Finalist in Army Band "Pershing's Own" Concerto Competition
I am currently earning my doctorate degree in saxophone performance from Florida State University, studying with Dr. Geoffrey Deibel. I hold degrees from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, studying with Professor Zachary Shemon and from Montclair State University, studying with Professor Stacy Wilson. Throughout my studies, I have garnered awards, including first prize in the Montclair State University Concerto Competition for 2016 and 2017, as well as the Missouri State MTNA Competition in 2018. I was also the MTNA (Music Teacher National Association) State Young Artist Competition winner in NJ for 2016 and 2017, and a finalist in the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concerto Competition. I am currently working on earning my Andover Educator’s Certification to teach body mapping techniques and create awareness about the importance of musicians’ health.
I am currently a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio at Florida State University. Here is a summary of my past teaching experience:
• Visiting guest artist at Montclair State University, coaching saxophone quartets (April 2018).
• Teaching private lessons to students of all ages at Music & Arts in Olathe, KS (2017 – 2019).
• Teaching private lessons, both saxophone and piano, to students of all ages (2016 - present).
• Teaching private lessons, both saxophone and piano, to elementary and middle school students in the North New Jersey area for "Home Sweet Home Music Lessons Inc." (2015 - 2017).
• Teaching private saxophone lessons to students in the Montclair, NJ area for the Montclair State University Preparatory Division (2015 - 2017).
For beginning students, we usually focus on the "Essential Elements" workbooks; however, I may need need to make alterations depending on the needs of the student. The goal is for the student to learn while simultaneously showing interest and curiosity for the future. For more advanced students, it is important for us to address areas in our playing that could use more attention - we focus on these areas in conjunction with further improvement in other aspects. In either situation, I have methods books, solo repertoire, chamber repertoire, and scale exercises that help prepare students for upcoming recitals or performances.
My approach to teaching focuses on the importance of fundamental exercises. Along with this, I work with the student to create a dialogue that reinforces their interest in lessons. We apply these techniques directly to music-making in order to create a fun, satisfying, and rewarding experience. I have a passion for making music and I love to share that with others. When teaching new students, I believe it is important to establish that music-making is supposed to be a gratifying experience, with communication being a key factor: if a student doesn't understand something or needs further explanation, I am more than happy to work with that student so that they feel confident moving forward.
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