Saxophone Lessons in Ford City, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

From beginning students to advanced students, I try to figure out what their immediate and long-term goals are. I have technique books for all levels and try to incorporate building a solid base before moving forward. This includes warm-up essentials, custom practice plans, and required active listening. Analyzing certain pieces of music helps to streamline the process of getting a student to where he/she wants to be.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I like to work with students through the Rubank Method books. These are excellent books for any level musician to pick up and work from. I use these as a foundation of technique that can be translated to repertoire. Again depending on the style of music the student wants/needs to practice, I will pull from etudes, solo transcriptions, and popular music to start building the student's repertoire. I will also work with students on building skills in improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

For young students or beginners, I start with a lesson book such as Essential Elements or Accent on Achievement. Each of these methods series have multiple books that the student can progress through. Once they have reached a certain level of understanding, I will sprinkle in songs that they know and enjoy, such as Disney songs, pop songs, etc. For high school students, I start with famous repertoire for their instrument or more advanced pieces they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I always feel my best when I'm teaching! As a private saxophone teacher, I've taught beginners as well as college students. As a graduate student, I also coached chamber groups and sectionals for younger students. I encourage all my students to keep open minds and to listen to all kinds of music. It's important that my students develop not just a love for music, but also a love for learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been teaching lessons privately in addition to working full-time as a music teacher for more than 20 years. I enjoy making myself available as a private lesson teacher as a means of providing extra income for my family. I have remained active as a musician myself through performing both at church and with the Lonestar Symphonic Band. My passion is in instrumental music and so I left a 12-year career with the Spring Branch Independent School District where I taught elementary music in order to go to a small charter school in Katy to start a band program for them. Read More