Saxophone Lessons in Berwyn, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching is very "person-centered"- in that I will adapt to the needs of the student. I do not have one stuanch approach in teaching music. I want to help students engage early on in "Music Experiences"- not just learning scales, but truly playing music with me, improvising, and enjoying themsevles. This sort of music work really formsm the bedrock of my music lesson and music therapy practice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a very creative musician with unending curiosity and a passion for people. My journey on the saxophone started over 15 years ago, and will continue as long as I can make a sound on the horn. In 2008, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Valparaiso University. I have come to consider myself an eternal student, and seek out performing opportunities that lead me into uncharted musical territory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching lessons on Sax and Electronic music for over 10 years combined. I love sharing my knowledge and experiences over the years. I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing musicians in my life. I toured with a 14 piece funk band through a good portion of the '90s and I know what it takes to have a successful journey on the road. I love when the "ah ha" moment that happens when I'm teaching. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For individual study, I use a number of diverse methods, depending on the needs and goals of the student. Beginner students will start with the Hal Leonard Beginner series, focused on mastering the fundamentals. Once a students has mastered the foundational technical scales, arpeggios, articulation; and understanding of time and tempo, we can proceed to augmenting the classical studies with jazz studies. For more intermediate - advanced students, we continue with the Hal Leonard series and augment with the Paul DeVille Universal Method for Saxophone, Klose 25 Daily Exercises, Voxman Selected Studies Books, and transcriptions of Bach (Cello Suites) and Taffanel (Flute Studies). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My experiences with teaching began in my later high school years - I was part of a community service organization at school dedicated to teaching local elementary school students at any grade. Since then, I've taught primarily clarinet students independently at Butler University in Indianapolis. I've also enjoyed a good deal of larger classroom work, as I was involved in two internships, one at the elementary level (3rd - 5th General Music) and one at the secondary (7th - 8th General Music). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy has been teaching since 2017. He has taught in both one-on-one and group lessons for students of all ages. Tommy has taught flute, clarinet, saxophone, and theory lessons to both beginning students and at the collegiate level. Tommy also performs with many different ensembles across a wide variety of genres. Tommy is 3rd/Bass Clarinetist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, runs the Delicious Bass Bass Clarinet Choir, runs the Elite Four Jazz Band, and is a reoccurring performer with the Oswego Chamber Musicians. Read More