Saxophone Lessons in Byers, CO

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone French Horn

I am very big on rewards programs and keeping students excited about what they are playing. This required reasonable, achievable goals that still push the student to go beyond their comfort level. Positive reinforcement is so important, especially with early players and when we hit walls in our growth. Seeing exactly where a student is at and understanding the encouragement they need is what makes a good teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience began in Webster, South Dakota as their high school band director for 11 years. I was then invited to move back to my college town of Brookings, South Dakota to be their middle school band director. I moved to Sioux Falls and taught in the Catholic School System for a number of years. Then I was fortunate to teach my last 11 years in beautiful southern California where I taught instrumental music at elementary to high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe Bassoon

When taking on beginner students, I typically use a blend of method books and novice musical pieces to begin to build musicianship. With intermediate musicians, I tend to seek out anything of interet to the student while incorporating harder repertoire to strengthen musicianship and to continue to peek interest in music. With adult musicians, I let them guide me to their area of interest, and I capitalize on that to guide them to better musicianship, no matter what their skill level may be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back to when I was an undergraduate.  I began giving private lessons to younger college and high school students.  Since then I have consistently taught students privatly either at my studio, at their home, or at a school. While obtaining my Masters degree at the University of Northern Colorado I was a teaching assistant and got hands on teaching experience with big bands and small jazz combos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar

I started teaching two years ago at a private lesson studio in Denver called My Music Skool. My main focus was on piano and saxophone. Now I teach privately as a freelance musician. Two points I emphasize when teaching are practicing at least once a day no matter how long you play and learning what inspires you. There will always be some sort of theory I sneak in whether it's learning scales or building technical skills that will build confidence and ability, but if these devices aren't being applied to the type of music that inspires the student, then learning music becomes discouraging instead of fun. Read More