Saxophone Lessons in Baring, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching saxophone lessons while in high school in Ferndale, WA. I was still taking private lessons at the time; as my skill level advanced, my teacher saw my potential as a teacher and started referring some beginning students to me. Throughout college, I gained experience working with youth and adult students of all levels. As I gained more experience teaching and continued my own musical studies, I became a better, more confident teacher. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching method is tailored to the desired goal of the student. I commonly employ classical fundamentals, which provide the student with tools needed to play the instrument. These fundamentals include: long-tones (for tone production), scales (for technique), overtone series (for the low/high range of the instrument) and reading music. From here, each lesson is modified to the particular student's goals, whether that is improvisation, playing jazz, performing classical literature, exploring experimental music, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For beginners, whilst working with a Standard of Excellence book, it's important to take the time to work on things on a smaller level throughout. Although working through the books and going onto the next level is the goal, I find it imperative ensure that the techniques are being fully utilized along the way. For example, we don't want to just read the notes and play along, we want to make sure that articulations, tone, breathing techniques and fingering is also being focused on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching style when helping out others is being laid back but also making sure that what we assign is being worked on. One thing that I have noticed in myself is that if I try to take more than I can handle, I set myself up for failure so making sure whatever we are working on is enough to keep you practicing until the next time we meet. I also love seeing anyone succeed so when that happens we make sure to be supportive but also make sure if something doesn't sound quite right we take some time to address that and see what we need to do so that next time you come, we are acing the material! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Over the years I have truly been lucky to have music take me all sorts of places I had never imagined it could, and so I can only hope to help others in their journey as well. I for one have been able to maintain my fascination and love of music by setting specific learning goals, just slightly ahead of my skill level. Most of the time this turns me towards the greats of the past, as so many jazz musicians have done before. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

The goal, then, is to make sure that they visualize and know exactly what they are going to play before they start playing – just like a good public speaker who uses zero filler words, makes direct eye contact, and speaks with conviction. One achieves that deliberate execution by being aware and practicing those subtleties, so my job as a teacher is to help them learn how to attain that focus. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More