Saxophone Lessons in Harrison, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I am a saxophonist with a Bachelor of Music from Northern Arizona University and a Masters in Music from University of Washington. I have been teaching both Saxophone and Flute for the past ten years. I have had the privilege to perform, with various ensembles, all over the country. Today, I frequently perform jazz in the greater Seattle area. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I first find out how the students learns best. Knowing if somebody is hands on, likes to listen, needs to watch, be shown etc. can impact the experience and quality of the lesson. Using analogies is something that has really helped me in my practicing so I enjoy passing that on. Setting realistic short term and long term goals are absolutely essential to progression, along with finding an inspiration. I have always found a player who inspired me and would figure out what they were doing to sound the way they sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have very high standards for teaching.That is why I did not start teaching until my fourties.At that point I felt that I had both the life experience and skills to be a good teacher.There is a lot more to playing music than just playing the right notes.That is what I call the mechanics of music but the not the soul.Obviously you must start with the basics to get to any deeper level of expression.That is what I am most passionate about.Why does anyone want to play an instrument? Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For wind instruments, I use the Rubank method books for exercises and whatever band method book is used in the student's school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

As much as I discuss with students what to practice, however, I think it’s more important to emphasize how to practice efficiently. The patience and focus needed to execute a song correctly is as much an exercise in meditation as it is about performing music. As I tell my students, the mind is the true instrument. Once they know what the symbols on the chart mean, where their hands have to go, and how a song is supposed to sound, they will have no trouble making music. Read More