Saxophone Lessons in Fairfax, VA

Instruments: Voice Saxophone

In the initial meeting with a student I talk through what they want to accomplish what genre's of music the would like to play and what kind of personality they have. Then I have more of an understanding of what direction to go in to personalize the teaching. I believe very much in the saying "there's only one way to Carnegie Hall PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE". I don't force structure and scales etc. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

For my beginner students who are either children or adults, I will typically start your training using the methods Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Klose methods books.Once you have grasped the fundamentals of your instruments and training, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for your first recital performance such as the works of Mozart, Rose, and Benny Goodman etc. However, for the adults or more advanced players, I will try to find out what most interest you and guide my instruction according to your abilities to keep the lessons more engaging and fun. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

In college I took a woodwind pedagogy class because I wanted to focus my teaching on my primary instruments rather than a general knowledge of music. I began teaching professional in the summer of 2013 when I worked for the Bel Air School of Music(now defunct) as a Saxophone and Clarinet teacher. While I believe strongly in the importance of musical fundamentals, I also like to think outside the box as a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my young beginning piano students, I apply the Piano Adventures Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. For my older beginning piano students (13/14 and up), I apply the Alfred Adult Piano Method to ensure the material meets the student at his/her academic level. As for all woodwind students, I apply the Reubank Methody (Beginning, Intermediate, Advance), alongside Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for students currently in a school band. Once each student has reached a satisfactory level of performance, solo repertoire is then introduced. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

Music is fun! And learning it shouldn't be any more different! I encourage the student to explore what they love in music, a song, a movie, and try to figure it out on the instrument. When you play something that you absolutely love you will have FUN and won't get bored with it. I love seeing my students thrive and let music be their passion as it is for me. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Some students prefer a more relaxed, free way of learning. Some demand a more disciplined, focused method of teaching and learning. After assessing the student's profile I can better suggest a track and work with the student to achieve his/her goals. My lessons are a balance of music theory, ear training, transcription, and free playing. Each student is unique in its learning. I help them to identify their needs to progress in their learning and give them the needed tools to keep growing and enjoying music. Read More