Saxophone Lessons in Chester Heights, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

A beautiful sound is the beginning of the creation of beautiful music! I find it most important to do work on a student's sound in the beginning stages of playing. To achieve the foundations of a good sound, playing pitches (beginning with A on alto) on the mouthpiece alone will develop the student's sound from the beginning as well as lay the foundations for a good embouchure. Doing this brings awareness to the students use of air by showing him/her the muscules used within and around the oral cavity in order to produce an optimal sound on the saxophone without developing bad habits that could be detrimental to a student's health. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

In my opinion, I believe in the four "T" s. The student must generate a robust tone, that's their signature. Then comes technique, fluid technique is vital. Thirdly, is good sense of time, you can't perform without it. Lastly is taste, a student must acquire an acute sense of musical taste. These four principals are essential for all levels of music performance. Once a good foundation is established, the student will have the tools he needs to take on any musical challenge. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to my undergraduate days, where I had plenty of field teaching opportunities as well as student teaching. My clarinet professor gave me opportunities to help out with teaching the Woodwind Methods classes at USM for more pedagogical experience. In grad school, I taught make-up lessons to undergraduate students, coached chamber ensembles, and taught lessons to non-majors. My philosophy of teaching starts with strong fundamentals, and knowing different ways to teach different students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I love the learning process and to see students progress through the stages of learning an instrument. I taught myself to play the piano before I started formal lessons. I began playing the saxophone at the same time I took up the piano. I entered my undergraduate program in 1992, majoring in music education with the saxophone and piano as my principle instruments. During my studies at the University of South Alabama, a new program was started in MIDI and I attended an extra year to master digital audio. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe Bassoon

My teaching style can vary with each student each student has a different level of learning accessibility time restraints etc. One of the most important things I try to teach is the student to be his own teacher and whenever practicing whether it be 15 or 20 minutes when they are done with that practice session they have accomplished something some sort of improvement I have studied with teachers from the New York Philharmonic the metropolitan opera and the New York City ballet Orchestra they have all taught me and I pass on to the student to break down whatever they were playing and approach it in a patient manner by repeating and eventually getting their end result Whether it’s a few notes in a piece or a whole solo or exercise Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I structure my lessons in the same way I structure my own personal practice. I usually start off with a few technical exercises, then cover some theory, and then work on repertoire. How much time goes in to each category will depend on the student. A beginner tends to need more time on technique, whereas someone who has an audition or recital coming up will spend most of their time on repertoire. Read More