Saxophone Lessons in Concord, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For me the most important thing is to keep the students motivated. If that is not the case they won't do their part when they go home to practice. Sometimes I explain the theory and practical use of some exercises that in the beginning look tedious or exhausting so that the students can have a bigger idea of how the structure of music is created. Clarinet and saxophone are melodic instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My style of teaching also varies greatly with each individual. Some students have specific music from school or from outside music groups that they want to learn and also need to learn the skills to be able to play that particular music. Other students come with a desire just to improve their current abilities, and we find ways to do that by choosing inspiring music together. Sometimes playing duets is a great way to do that, and when its not possible to play together in real time I make recordings that the student can enjoy playing with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Music

I do my best to find the "Goldilocks Zone" for each student; I make sure to assign exercises that aren't too easy, but not impossible. One of the newest sayings that I have adopted into my studio is "Nothing is difficult, it is just new". There is nothing in music (or life) that is too difficult; it is just new. You just need to take the time to figure out how to do it. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I start lessons by warming up and doing exercises. For children, I do this in a listen and response setting. Then I will work through school songs or performance pieces, focusing on rhythms first, notes second and musicallity third. These 3 aspects lead to musicial mastery. I finish each lesson with an easy cool down. With in each lesson, I focus on musical styles that the students are interested in and work towards goals that the student set for themelves. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

First and foremost, I believe in HONESTY and RESPONSIBILITY to my students. I remember when I took private lessons many years ago with various teachers and thought that I was pretty good at playing saxophone. It was not until I studied under Dr. Keith Bohm that I realized how horrible those previous teachers were. They were negligent and was not able to provide the essential fundamentals for me as a young musician and thus, I developed many, many, MANY bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've blended my methods with a response to each student I work with by requesting their trust, listening to their places of comfort and interest in playing music, and discovering new avenues of development with the student. I encourage them to draw from those areas in our sessions as we develop our repertoire and enhance individual growth from there. For beginners I tend to start with either Standard of Excellence books or Rubank and build custom practices from there. Read More