Saxophone Lessons in Derwood, MD

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Most of my experience with teaching has taken place while traveling on the road and helping individuals prepare for recording sessions. However for more than 10 years now, I've rendered my services at neighborhood schools (elementary and high school); music workshops; private homes; and local churches; working with young people as an assistant teacher, private music teacher and/ or teaching artist. The greatest lessons I have ever taught and that I believe that I can ever teach, are the importance of observation, listening, proper application and the embracing of patience while enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

I grew up in the Washington DC area playing Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, and Baritone Sax. I attended Walt Whitman High School and was a member of its award winning Jazz Ensemble as a Tenor Saxophonist. In 2003 I was selected as the lead Alto Saxophonist for the Maryland All-State Jazz Ensemble. I went on to study Jazz at Emory University in Atlanta under Gary Motley and E.J. Hughes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

Later on, students will learn to read music in-depth--not merely replicating what's represented on the page exactly as-is, but with a broader and deeper understanding of the movements and relatativities taking place within the music, while building an ability (and feeling of mobility) to experiment with re-harmonization, substitutions, and alterations of all sorts. Especially at beginner levels, students often are flooded with an endless stream of lifeless representations, scales, formalities, technicalities, and special names, and as a result, their interest becomes stifled. "Music" comes to mean a drab exercise with an authority figure instead of the rich, profound, imaginative, vibrant, feeling, potent, and meditative social being that it can be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have a deep love for music because of the powerful role it has played in my life. It has healed me, strengthened me, and given me a sense of purpose. I want to pass that along to my students. It is the greatest joy to see my students progress past what they thought they were capable of. My goal with teaching is to take my students on a journey that goes beyond learning the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

As an instructor, my job is to give the student every opportunity possible to discover their passion for music. The first lesson is always about providing a safe relaxed tone and finding out where that student's progress is. Not establishing an accurate assessment of their progress can be very destructive because it could cause me to come off as either too demanding or condescending. Depending on what their level is, I will design a custom curriculum to bring their weaknesses to the same level as their strengths. Read More