Saxophone Lessons in Elkwood, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I want to train a generation of musicians who are able to skillfully express their full range of emotions through their chosen instrument. I believe that starts with a foundation of support, persistence, and consistency. I teach my students by approaching skills and musical concepts with patience and clear intent to progress to a higher level. I am cautious to not overwhelm students by piling them with music that is way beyond their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Music is supposed to be fun, dynamic, and a way of expression. So I never attach myself or the student to a given program or method, but I offer a tailored program that bettersuits the student needs. I like to explore the student's musical tastes, skills, and to introduce new ones. My teaching methods are a mixture of discovery and practice that may or may not use formal books and methods. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching is my passion, because it provides the constant challenge of finding ways to unlock a young musician's potential. No two students learn the same way. While I can rely on my "bag" of techniques and methods, I believe each student requires and deserves a unique plan to help them reach their fullest musical potential. Part of what I love about teaching involves the time spent getting to know a student, and working with them to construct a plan that leads to success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginners, I generally will start with a beginning method book (such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements) but the book will depend on the instrument as well. For older students, I want to know what kind of music they enjoy playing or listen to, and guide them along to reach their goals--whether that be to play in a band, write and record an album, or just become a better player! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

My beginnings as a teacher go back to my undergrad in Puerto Rico where I would teach in a music academy with students from ages 10-17. As my academic life expanded I moved to Florida where I was the Teacher Assistant for my Masters degree for 2 years. There I taught college level students from all ages in classical music. In my Doctorate I also had the opportunity to be Teacher assistant for 2 years for Master students and undergrad where my focus was jazz, blues, pop and all sorts of commercial music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My first experience as a teacher came as a sophomore and junior in high school. I was involved with a program where high school students would work with elementary school band students once a week, and help them work on their band program music and develop their musicality. I found the experience to be extremely rewarding, and have maintained that interest in teaching. I spent time in college working as a music theory tutor for beginning music students, and in graduate school worked to develop and implement lesson plans for beginning clarinetists. Read More