Saxophone Lessons in Columbus, OH

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The Saxophone is often regarded as an instrument that is easy to play but easy to be bad at. It can be tough to learn to how to play with a characteristic sound that is pleasant to listen to. I wasn't able to do that until after playing for 7 years. Thankfully, I feel as if I have found effective ways to help students do this much, much faster than it took me.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Yes! I teach using Larry Teal's Daily Study for the Improvement of the Saxophone Technique. It is a great resource that helps you not only better learns scales, but how to play easily in difficult keys. It will help you so, so much to play fast and difficult music easily. I also use Donald Sinta's Voicing: an Approach to the Saxophone's Third Register. It is imperative that a saxophonist learn how to play in the elusive altissimo register and this book allows for the minimum frustrations to occur while learning to do so. All modern saxophone music uses the third register. I also outlined above about why I use David Kish's Practicing with Purpose.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
It was a privilege to perform for Bernie Sanders in 2018. To be able to speak with someone about music education that has the ability to make things better for us teachers is one that isn't afforded often.

When will I start to see results?
It truly depends. Some instruction can provide immediate results. Changing a students embouchure will generally help improve their sound quickly. Some other things take time. What is really important is coming to lessons regularly. Playing an instrument is like working out. You wont see results for awhile, but it will hit you one day that you are a completely different player than you were when you started out with lessons.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your student is in Elementary School, please ask their general music teacher how they are doing in their class. Do they participate frequently and have a good grasp of the material? Can they read notes and rhythms? Are they doing well with playing recorder? These are incredibly important questions you should ask their teacher to see if they are ready for playing an instrument. For middle school aged kids all the way to the older adults, it is NEVER TOO LATE to learn an instrument.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Use. A. Metronome. Yes, it isn't fun using one. It's annoying, but it will help you build a sense of internal pulse that just can't be done otherwise. David Kish's book Practicing with Purpose is an excellent resource that will tell you dozens of ways to practice technically and lyrically challenging passages in any piece of music. Whether it's playin with different articulations, playing it backwards, having a friend come in and listen, recording yourself, and many, many others, it is an invaluable resource students and educators alike should use. It is frequently referenced in my instruction.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My sister is also a band director! She teaches at Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney, Ohio. She plays the trumpet.

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