Saxophone Lessons in Bryantown, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

Classes for beginners will focus on tone quality, articulation, rhythm, reading music, and playing in time. Students will learn breathing and fingering techniques as well as structured routines for practicing at home. Intermediate players will begin by mastering the 12 major scales and arpeggios in straight and swing patterns. Basic 12-bar blues structure will be introduced and students will learn to improvise using the blues and pentatonic scales. Students will begin to develop an appreciation for different styles of jazz through listening and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Some students prefer a more relaxed, free way of learning. Some demand a more disciplined, focused method of teaching and learning. After assessing the student's profile I can better suggest a track and work with the student to achieve his/her goals. My lessons are a balance of music theory, ear training, transcription, and free playing. Each student is unique in its learning. I help them to identify their needs to progress in their learning and give them the needed tools to keep growing and enjoying music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I had an opportunity to start teaching early as a student leader in my high school music program and continuing into college. I've found that my students have a much higher level of success when they are encouraged to practice regularly at home. I use classical repertoire to build techniques across styles and modern music to keep students engaged. If they aren't enjoying themselves, I'm not doing something correctly. I encourage students to enter recitals and competitions as well as create their own original material. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience began in college as I began to help teach some of my peers that were interested in taking up saxophone as a hobby. I realized immediately that I had a passion for connecting people to their passion for music and wanted to continue doing that. I eventually began to teach outside of school in the homes of interested students in the Washington, D.C. area. By doing this I was approached to work in DC public schools as an aid to the music programs that were both established and just beginning by giving individual and group instruction to the students. Read More