Saxophone Lessons in Dracut, MA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

Every Saturday morning throughout high school I volunteered my time mentoring young saxophonists just starting out with the instrument. I was surprised, initially, at just how rewarding an experience this turned out to be. But soon I realized just how powerful an experience learning music can be, and how incredible the opportunity is to be able to help people through that experience in a fun and engaging way. Arriving at college I began tutoring part time, during which I honed my teaching skills in a more professional setting. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe that fundamentals are the basis of a great music education. Reading skills, playing skills, and ear training are all extremely important to learning music. For me, seeing the development of a student over time and seeing them meet their goals is one of the best feelings in the world. That is why, in my instruction, I try to set realistic and reasonable goals for each skill level to hit that are more defined than state standards. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I was recently hired by Pearson to create a series of instructional videos to accompany their new textbook. In them, I teach students about different words one uses to write about music (timbre, tempo, etc). The publisher has called me "a natural, with a colloquial style that is very engaging and easy to understand." While I am otherwise new to teaching music, I have taught sailing for the past 9 summers of my life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

I am a great believer in the importance of a guided warmup routine and have developed a practical method for students to acquire facility with all of their scales and arpeggios in all the keys with various articulations in a logical and efficient way using standard materials. This is backed up with a "saxophone curriculum" to bring a student from beginning stages all the way to solo recitals at a college level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

From then on, we can start on method books--I generally use either Essential Elements or Standard of Excellence--and some extra short pieces I compose for them based on their needs. I also spend time working on ear training and overtone control as soon a I think a student is ready. The sooner they learn these elements, the easier it will be for them to learn more. For more advanced students, I like basing lessons around repertoire, but that repertoire can vary a great deal based on their needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Keyboard

I like listening to the student and determining where their skill level best would fit in with my curriculum. From there, I will formulate a lesson plan that will not only have the student steadily progressing through the lesson material by using instrumental method books that encourage growth at their current skill level, but I will also introduce solo repertoire materials that help the student establish themselves as an individual musical creator and artist! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

For beginners, I have a multitude of etudes, simple songs, and exercises to encourage sight-reading, finger comfortability, and basic cognitive understanding of music fundamentals such as scales. For guitar, I usually begin with fun simple songs such as "What do we do with the Drunken Sailor" and a simple blues. For woodwind instruments, I'll typically begin with songs such as Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, or some holiday songs during the holiday season. Read More