Saxophone Lessons in Dorchester, MA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music

Fundamentals come from slow practice, and unfortunately, there is no true fun way of doing it. However, I pair technical work with listening assignments, so that the students actually see the point of fundamental training. Hanon is the one book that has stayed with me for two decades and I adhere to its various training regimens very closely. The book itself may be insufficient, but the auxiliary exercises I designed will improve the practice efficiency. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Organ Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I do tend to assign, as mentioned elsewhere, listening homework. I do this because I've seen it help students learn what they want to and need to learn faster as well as help students learn to like, love, or at least appreciate new things. The main point here is that every student is complex, difficult, and hard insomuch as teaching method required, but my passion is so great that I don't see issues or problems but rather new opportunities to get students excited about learning and demonstrating what they've learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start of my lessons by asking how much the student practiced for the week. Then I ask them if there was anything that was confusing for them so we can work on that first. I let the student pick what they want to start with first and then I will pick the next exercise. I finish with giving them a homework assignment and making sure they understand what to practice for next week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I've played piano and saxophone for over 25 years and studied jazz composition at Berklee College of Music. The teachers that I was fortunate enough to learn from as I grew up were so important in my musical development, and they kept me interested in continuing with music! I understand just how important specialized attention to talents and interests are in beginners and all other levels. So my focus is always trying to make sure my students are enjoying their instruments every step of the way, while providing the structure and expert assistance that will bring the progress that students need to experience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

Hello! I'm a Berklee College of Music Alumnus with 20+ years playing experience! I started studying the saxophone at 9 years old and spent most of my early school years performing in community, school, and local college jazz bands around the Seattle-Tacoma area of Washington State. My music has given me the opportunity to travel the world, and in summer of 2016, I conducted a tour of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with my band the AfroXchange in conjunction with music therapy organization Global Youth Groove where I hosted jazz masterclasses, as well as performed at clubs and festivals, and assisted a music therapy team around the countryside. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

Having said that, possibly an even more pressing skill would be to be equppied, physically and intelectually, to play along with an impromtu music session, or "jam." If, say, a former clarinet student of mine should find him or herelf in the company of a strumming acoustic guitarist, it is my hope that they will be condfident and able to contribute musically and sensibly without the need for sheet music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Learning an instrument is no easy task, and it can be daunting, especially in front of another person with more experience than you. Anywhere my lessons take place is a "shame free zone" where students should never be afraid to make mistakes and learn at their own pace. I like to keep things positive: progress is great and exciting, and I firmly believe that students progress faster and more consistently when they're happy and proud of what they've accomplished. Read More