Saxophone Lessons in Arlington, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

I am happy to curate lesson plans and materials to fit the student. If a student is truly a beginner I believe that starting with fundamentals such as simple major and minor scales is crucial before moving into any type of performance preparation. I believe it is important to incorporate students passions into practice as well, and as such I will encourage students to bring specific songs or works that they aim to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

As much as I discuss with students what to practice, however, I think it’s more important to emphasize how to practice efficiently. The patience and focus needed to execute a song correctly is as much an exercise in meditation as it is about performing music. As I tell my students, the mind is the true instrument. Once they know what the symbols on the chart mean, where their hands have to go, and how a song is supposed to sound, they will have no trouble making music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching while I was in high school. It all began when I taught at a music summer camp called Camp Winthers. My main responsibilities in regards to teaching were leading instrument sectionals, and giving advice one on one. This would continue summer after summer until I reached college. In the beginning of my time in higher education, most of my lessons taught were to my peers, focused mostly on music theory and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start by asking about a student about their prior experience (if any), interests and goals on their instrument. With my students, I generally start by tackling basics like healthy breathing and posture, producing good tone, note-reading, and rhythm. Depending on students interests, we may then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques such as playing by ear, learning longer, more complex classical or jazz pieces, music theory, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have been teaching for the past ten years. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to take music pedagogy classes, which have provided the foundation for my current teaching style. I have worked with all ages of students. My goal as an educator is to provide the students with the tools and resources to accomplish their goals, all while demonstrating the joy and inspiration music can bring. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have very high standards for teaching.That is why I did not start teaching until my fourties.At that point I felt that I had both the life experience and skills to be a good teacher.There is a lot more to playing music than just playing the right notes.That is what I call the mechanics of music but the not the soul.Obviously you must start with the basics to get to any deeper level of expression.That is what I am most passionate about.Why does anyone want to play an instrument? Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

The most painful part of learning a new instrument is the constant failure, screeching, and subpar performance most new musicians experience. My teaching method skips that by teaching students the fundamentals of good tone quality before technical studies. My first lessons focus on breathing, relaxation, posture, and embouchure. Within the first four lessons, most students are able to play beautifully in the low range of their instrument, and can then begin to study more technically-challenging music. Read More