Saxophone Lessons in Canby, OR

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My joy is to see progress and growth in my students. I also enjoy seeing their love of music develop.  I take each student where they are: beginner or advanced, and put goals in place for them.  Such goals can be things like learning music for solo and ensemble band / orchestra competitions, performing in their Church, or putting together a jazz band or classical ensemble for concerts. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have always enjoyed helping students play better.  My private teaching career began in 1978 and continues to the present.  It is always more fun for the student it they understand why something is important and what the long term benefits are for them.  No question is questioned.  We enjoy exploring the Language of Music and the requirements of their instrument.  Additionally,  I have developed a method for addressing Performance Anxiety that has proven effective in any performance situation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

There are lots of great teaching tools and methods available, and once I have an understanding of a student's current ability level and what they want to work on, I can make recommendations. For wind players, Essential Elements provides a good way to get started on an instrument. I look for ways to incorporate different styles of music from classical to jazz to pop music in addition to the important fundamentals you will learn from a method book. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I believe that it's best to learn by example, and in music this is often by demonstrating with the instrument. I will always have my instrument out to play along, or demonstrate what I am expecting. I expect my students to practice what is assigned to them so we can both have a productive session with each other, however I do understand that life happens. I try different techniques throughout the lesson to ensure that what I'm teaching is resonating with the student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I encourage my students to be technically proficient, musically literate, and good listeners. Having these core fundamentals down prepares my students to be able to play any style of music they choose. Lessons are always customized to fit the musical preferences of the student.  I use my preferred method books but am able to incorporate the books the student already owns within the lesson plans.  I encourage the use of technology such as smartphones, iPads, and play-a-longs as teaching aids. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary on the student and subject. Beginning students will typically focus more on technical pieces of music to improve on certain aspects of a few pieces to perform. More advanced students will still practice technical parts of their music, but less time will be spent on it during a lesson. Advanced level students will spend more time on repertoire and performance. The more advanced a student gets, the more I expect them to practice outside of lessons and apply their newly learned technical skills into their music on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

I strive to be a balanced teacher that engages the students musical interests while also setting a high (but patient) bar for technical facility and discipline. As someone who has received classical and jazz training, I love to be able to provide students those dual/complimentary curriculum tracks, and, for those students that are eager to dig in to the theory side of things, connect the dots between. Throughout lessons and following up on previous weeks, I always make a point of acknowledging the progress that has been made before honing in on problem areas or the aspects with room for improvement. Read More