Saxophone Lessons in Belltown, WA

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

For methods; it will honestly depend on if the student has been working through something with a prior lesson teacher or after the first lesson and seeing what the interest is in either jazz or classical will go from there. For classical; I would utilize the Rubank method books that I used when doing classical music. For jazz studies, I find it more beneficial to start with the Charlie Parker Omnibook, Realbook, then start learning things by ear and memory depending on the level of the student and the progress we are making. 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

If the student has no experience with music or the instrument, I will start them off with the very basics, such as: how to properly put together/take apart your instrument, proper care for the instrument, how to form a supportive and correct embouchure. This will also be accompanied by multiple books, which I usually recommend getting Essential Elements 2000 for complete beginners . We then have a foundation we can build on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

It all depends on the areas of music the student would like to focus on. No matter if it's music theory, composition, or performance, my main idea is to intricately learn the about the music that interests you, learn how to apply it on your instrument, and then use your creativity to create something new. Of course, I make sure that all the bases are covered such as basic sight-reading and transcription skills, but the emphasis is on learning how to channel your imagination so that you can connect your instrument with your inner-ear.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm a gentle person who believes in exposing my students to the best music, and bringing out of them the music they have within. The idea is to ease their frustrations, not add to them. As long as the student actually tries, I feel confident they will enjoy the wxperience and learn a great deal. Music is one of life's greaat pleasures and worth every bit of the effort required to do it well. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students, we work out of beginning method books such as Essential Elements or Standard of Excellence. This is supplemented with worksheets and personalized exercises specific to their needs. As the student advances, we will begin to introduce duets to begin to understand and play harmonized music. Once the student is able to play within a certain range, I will begin to use solo material as well as music that the student themselves would like to play. Read More