Saxophone Lessons in Falls Church, VA

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

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

Recently I was hired as piano instructor for Quartertonez Music, in Washington DC. Also, I have had experience teaching and studying music education under my high school mentor, renowned music teacher Tim Savage; I was his student-teacher for a semester course at St. Lawrence University. Additionally, throughout my experience as his music student, his teaching approach has infused music education and facilitation lessons within the musical instruction itself. My past teaching experience also includes being a Drill Instructor for the Italian Department at Vassar College for two years during my time as an undergrad (I not only "ran drills" for students who had already started learning the material, but also had to compensate in a variety of ways for the unsuccessful, dysfunctional, or half-hearted engagement that is typical in a foreign language class). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Getting my students to understand how consistency is much more important than anything else when it comes to practice is the first thing I strive for. I've found that making music learning a fun experience is what will help the student learn. No matter the age, training classically and applying music that the student enjoys is very important to keep the interest level high while not compromising the integrity of music as an art. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If I recommend a piece that the student does not enjoy playing or is too difficult for them, I will accommodate their choice and give them a piece that better suits the student. For non-beginning players, I will look at the pieces they are already playing, and assist them in skills that still need work on their piece. After the piece they are already working on is better, I will assign more pieces and studies that will not only help them with skills that need work, but also improve the skills they are already great with. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More

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

Music is and has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've never studied music on a college campus, but I do have over 16 years of experience learning from the greatest musicians ever; professionally recording and touring with some of them all over the united states. For most of my professional career I have performed with and sometimes composed music for the following groups: Winds of Praise; Read More