Saxophone Lessons in Birds Landing, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

The first lesson is always a trial lesson, in it I attempt to access where the student is musically. I also use the time to find out what the student's musical goals are . We look at things like reading, theory, dexterity on the instrument. If the student plays a wind instrument we look at things like embouchure and breathing. Once I have gotten a good idea as to the student's skill level and have spoken to the student about their musical goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Music

Hello! My name is Madison A. I am a woodwind instructor based in the Sacramento/Stockton area. I am a private instructor and professional musician who loves performing and sharing my intense passion for playing with my students and with my audiences. This upcoming semester (Spring 2022) I will be graduating with a Bachelor in Clarinet Performance from Sacramento State University! In addition to studying clarinet, I am a professional flutist and saxophonist and have been performing in Northern California over the past 5 years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginners the first sound is the most important basic thing for a horn player (woodwind or brass). For children I use easy melodies they remember. This is helpful so they won'tget bored or tired easily. There are important transitional mechanisms in the clarinet especially that have to be overcome before starting with the scales studies. The books I use depend on the interest of the students. I have books for JAZZ, BRAZILIAN MUSIC, or CLASSICAL MUSIC (from Concert Solos to Opera overtures). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I try to get my students to develop a passion for music. My style and curriculum tend to have my students progressing quickly, but attention to detail is very important to me as well as a great sound on the instrument. For me the sound is number 1, then working on time is number 2. The notes will come. I try to make realistic goals for my students. We can achieve anything as long as we put the effort in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More