312-789-4185
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Saxophone lessons in Chicago . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet
It is a great joy to see students learn, grow, and have fun! I begin by asking the student of their goals, and eventually help them develop new goals as they explore and find their unique gifts. Students are provided with a unique, well-rounded program tailored for them, including the foundational resources and understanding needed to fly with other musicians. Each student will find that I am looking into their musical interests and strong points as an outlet to keep the lessons personal and relevant, including compositions written just for them, while continuously stretching them to the next step as they advance to their vision. 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
I frequently assign listening homework, and I play audio recordings and videos during lessons that directly pertain to the areas we are focusing on. For example, if we are working on a classical solo piece, the student may watch footage of that piece being performed by a world-renowned saxophonist. This approach helps to keep things interesting and engaging. I will also record the audio of certain lessons so both myself and the student can track improvement. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet
My number one rule when teaching students about music is to HAVE FUN. Music is meant to be fun and bring joy to people. While in lessons, we will learn about scales and arpeggios and work through exercises. And, believe it or not, I have got some ways to make those fun! Depending on if you want to study classical music or jazz, we might study a sonata or transcribe a solo. Read More
Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium
I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe
I developed my skills as a result of my upbringing. My mother was a teacher who specialized in encouraging me to live up to my most cherished dreams. Music was a good enough fit for me that I studied, performed, and taught for many years. Now, after fifteen years, I seek to go back to teaching private lessons - which will work better with a more seasoned perspective. No matter what else you want out of life, you chose music. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone Performance. I didn't choose the degree - it chose me! I never even considered pursuing another degree because I knew early in high school that I needed to study jazz performance. When you are deeply passionate about something you can't ignore it! I come from a very musical family (multiple jazz professors and music teachers) so it was the natural choice for me. I am so grateful that I studied music because everything great that's happened to me has been through music!
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Great question. Good practice techniques are the most important aspect of improving. I always start with overtones, specifically using Rascher's 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' book. Overtones help the player work on intonation, tone quality, ear training, embouchure, breath support, and range all at the same time. Then I move on to scales and patterns. I'll play the scales I'm working on in as many different ways as possible (and always with a metronome): full range, in 3rds, in 4ths, arpeggios, etc. I'm always working on different patterns (example, 4ths going up in whole steps) and play them with a metronome until I have reached my desired tempo. Then I move on to learning songs or transcribing my favorite solos!
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
There are a few accomplishments I am proud of - obtaining a music degree on a nearly full-ride scholarship, having my arrangements recorded on various albums, and building my own saxophone studio. However, I am most proud of creating a band with my beautiful wife and playing at some of the finest venues in Chicago! We have been lucky enough to perform at Andy's Jazz Club, Untitled, Londonhouse, Marketdays Festival, and many other amazing places. It's very fulfilling to put a group together and perform original music!
When will I start to see results?
I hear this question a lot! There is no easy answer because everyone learns at a different pace. However, if you practice consistently and learn the techniques discussed in our lesson you can improve very rapidly and start seeing results in the first few months. You will only see results if you practice consistently and if you want to learn! Practice, practice, practice! Don't expect to see any results unless you put in the time. The best part is that music is a life long journey, so one can always improve!
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, my private saxophone teacher from middle school through high school definitely inspired me to pursue music. Through my lessons with him I became more and more proficient on the saxophone, which gave me great confidence - not only in music but with life in general. I knew I needed to continue on this course because of the joy it brought me. Developing a talent is something that can only happen with the direction of someone who knows more than you! I am truly grateful for all my teachers who inspired me and helped me along the way.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
1) Repetition is the key to improving! Rather than practicing once or twice a week for long periods, try practicing every day for shorter lengths. This will improve muscle memory and you will begin to internalize the music. Short, focused sessions are much more valuable than long, unfocused ones.
2) Always practice as slow as necessary to play everything correctly! Resist the urge to play fast until you can play it perfectly at slower tempos, otherwise you will learn the passage incorrectly.
3) Only practice if you are enjoying the session. If you are not focused or unhappy it will not be an efficient session.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Saxophone lessons in Chicago to students of all ages and abilities.
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