Saxophone Lessons Napa County, CA

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

First and foremost, I believe in HONESTY and RESPONSIBILITY to my students. I remember when I took private lessons many years ago with various teachers and thought that I was pretty good at playing saxophone. It was not until I studied under Dr. Keith Bohm that I realized how horrible those previous teachers were. They were negligent and was not able to provide the essential fundamentals for me as a young musician and thus, I developed many, many, MANY bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone, Flute

I love to see my students get excited about music! I try to ignite the flame and get them to develop an interest of their own. Music should be a fun and positive part of our lives. While it's important to have fun, I also make sure students are gaining a solid foundation in the technical facility of the instrument. The sooner we can navigate the instrument without limitations, the sooner we can focus on the music itself! I like to incorporate duets, popular music, ear training, notation, and spontaneity in lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Synthesizer

I have been blessed with patient and understanding mentors throughout my musical career and so I too want to give that to my students! Every child and every adult should be treated as if they have the potential to be the next great Duke Ellington or Stravinsky; every individual has a mass of potential that is just waiting to be drawn out and that is what I look for. I don't try to make the student to conform to my standards. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone, Flute

Embouchure: muscle distribution, posture, mouthpiece position Tone Production: tongue position, first tone , various dynamic levels, long tones Intonation: Overtone exercise, opening of throat , expansion of neck, singing pitch Articulation: reading phrase articulation , determining articulation Phrasing: playing each note with a purpose Repertoire: Standards , Publications Scales: major / melodic minor arpeggios thirds and fourths various exercises Patterns: symmetrical patterns for repetition and inside and outside harmonic structure Equipment: horns, reeds, mouthpieces, books, software, hardware Solo Interpretation : Playing in the proper idiom Ensemble interpretation: following the lead player, supporting role, blending History Saxophone Styles: Major influences on Jazz and Popular saxophone Practice routine: what , how long and in what order to practice Read More