Saxophone Lessons in Burr Ridge, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching throughout my career as a saxophonist and got my first student in 2007. My students find the best results if they love their instrument and have their own motivation to improve. My role is not only instructing someone to better play saxophone, but being an encouraging and positive force in a student's life. I've seen that when a student gains confidence and discipline, their learning curve typically skyrockets.I know I've done well when my student feels themselves improving and gets excited about meeting their full potential.There are countless styles and sounds in music, and I build a foundation on that equips students to seek out their own musical path. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

When creating lesson plans for classes or for individual lessons, I customize and design the lessons to fit the needs of the students. I always interview the students and set goals to know where they want to go so that all of our work is geared towards there individual success and improvement. I utilize various methods books depending on the students abilities. I also heavily utilize the Kodaly method and the Orff Method when teaching. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been performing/teaching private lessons for 32 years but I always like the opportunity to work with motivated students from all levels. I have performed throughout the USA and was lucky enough to play in Carnegie Hall in 1990. In addition, I have performed with the orchestras of Elgin, Lake Forest, Milwaukee, South Bend, Springfield, Ft. Wayne, Savannah as well as the pit orchestra for numerous Broadway in Chicago musicals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I don't believe there is one absolute method and encourage my students to find whatever sparks musical joy in them, so I can help them pursue that. I can learn so much as a teacher by being shown what makes other people creatively stimulated. This is one my favorite parts about teaching! I can provide the knowledge and exercises to build a strong musical foundation, but it is up to the student to use these skills to express their own musicality and to access all the of the music they love on a deeper level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

As I said earlier I tend to use the Rubank and Essential Element books in lessons. I start with seeing what the students goals are and making a goal sheet. For instance if a student is interested in Musicals. We will start with our basic warm up and techniques but on top of that I would assign an excerpt from a musical that correlates with the current lesson. So that way the student is working toward their goal and having fun doing so. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I typically divide my lessons into quarters so that the first part is just scale work. The second part is scale patterns and technique. The third portion is prepared materials, and the final portion is listening. I bring an Ipod with close to 750,000 songs on it for kids to choose pieces featuring their own instruments for inspirational purposes. I find that listening can be just as informative as pressing down keys:) Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

I began my musical career playing clarinet and saxophone for the Marine Forces Pacific Band in Honolulu, Hawaii. While serving, I was the concertmaster, clarinet section leader, and leader of the woodwind quintet for a combination of 300+ performances around the world. I also have several years of experience playing saxophone in a Latin big band located in Honolulu, Hawaii - Son Caribe. I've recently moved to Chicago to continue studying music at DePaul University and have been freelancing with local orchestras, opera companies, and churches. Read More