Saxophone Lessons in Fox Valley, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never imagined God had plans for me to be a music teacher. I had taken piano lessons for about 15 years (later adding recorder, guitar, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and cello) and was working as a front desk receptionist in a music school when a teacher notified us of an unexpected long-term absence. My boss--who had known me for almost 20 years, and who taught me piano-- approached me and said she would like ME to teach the affected students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, we begin with learning how to read music and go over the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. Then, we will go through the Rubank Elementary Methods books while including scales and practice techniques. We will also take time to listen to other instrumentalists and discover what concept of sound is best for you. For advanced students, we will start with fundamental reinforcement through scales, exercises, and sight-reading. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important aspect of teaching music is to keep the student excited and engaged! I want my students to be eager to learn. I keep all lessons fun and casual, but stress the importance of hard work. I always encourage daily practice sessions, even if just for 15 - 20 minutes. Repetition is key! I discuss our goals for the lessons (what do you want to get out of the lesson? why do you want to learn saxophone?) and strive to meet our goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Through the years I have taught a variety of artists in the home or my studio. Most recently I've incorporated Skype to be able to work with more international based students. I'm a huge technology geek and love to incorporate it when applicable. I also teach Electronic Music Production and Performance for Ableton Live. Now that many more people have access to high-speed internet I can work with a more diverse group of people. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

In my last semester at Butler, I student taught at Avon High School for band and Franklin Township Middle School East for choir. Responsibilities at the former included sole direction of Concert Percussion, intermediate Symphonic Band, and AP Music Theory, and at the latter 7th Grade General Music and 8th Grade Mixed Choir. While at Butler, I was also principal clarinetist of both the Butler Symphony and the Butler Ballet Orchestras, and at one point principal of the Wind Ensemble as well. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a recent Berklee College of Music graduate who loves to perform and to share everything I know with my students. I was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and have recently moved to Chicago after being previously based out of Boston and Cincinnati. My performing experience has taken me all over the United States, as well as trips to China, Italy, Austria, and Germany. Despite my traditional jazz upbringing, I have been lucky enough to be featured on shows and albums by my peers in a variety of styles, such as funk, folk, and hip hop. Read More