Piano Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Saxophone

When will I start to see results?
Every day! Results are not necessarily tied to me, or any instructor, for that matter. Rather, it is my job to provide material, instruction, and benchmarks to assess, and it is the student that progresses in their own unique way. Music is a journey, with no destination, and results are highly subjective. I am deeply passionate about understanding how "results" are a personal aspect of learning, and while they can certainly provide motivation to continue the journey, they're not always something tangible - sometimes, simply sounding a note a bit clearer, or having a better understanding of breathing, and how it affects all aspects of playing is a huge result, yet the outward projection of the sax (to the audience) changes little. Results are produced every time the student picks up their saxophone.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Have a goal in mind. This doesn't have to be a formal goal, such as playing Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" at 300BPM - while that would be noteworthy, the goal of practicing is simply doing something. An example could be playing mid-A, holding it for as long as possible, while maintaining solid intonation from soft (piano) to loud (fortissimo). Keep it simple, but know the goal. Sometime just playing for 15 minutes is a goal, as time doesn't allow for much more - great! Now, go do it! Again, the goal is simply as stated, nothing that someone else deems important - it's all about you!

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The fact that I/you will never master our instrument - there is always something to learn, something to improve, and something to incorporate new into our musical portfolio. For many students, this is a difficult barrier to overcome, as they are accustomed to a general formula that suggests "x" amount of "y" will equal "xy." With music, it's not that simple - nor should it be! Music should be seen as a high-personal, enjoyable medium for expression, and what is accomplished today only continues to build upon the musical arsenal, not a step toward a finite end.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Along with awards from my school and various awards from Berklee College of Music, I am most proud of my ability to share the saxophone with others seeking to learn. I understand that the ability to effectively teach is a gift, and I feel as if I've been awarded a lifetime honor of having the privilege to do just that, all the while enjoying it and laughing along the way. Years of commitment to the saxophone and music pays off in many ways, chief of which is the ability to share my experiences and teach people of all ages and abilities.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose the saxophone because, to me, nothing sounded like it, and I wanted to create music with that sound. It's also the reason I incorporate demonstration into my teaching methods, as I want to inspire others in the same manner - if they hear something they love, they'll be more motivated to achieve their goals. The saxophone is also an incredible versatile instrument - from 12-bar blues to funk rock, there is a place for the sax, and, to me, that's an excellent reason to know how to play it.

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