Saxophone Lessons in Havre De Grace, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I like to set goals for my students. I generally work out of lessons books, solo repertoire, and whatever else the student brings in. If the students have music from classes in school, I will also assist them with that. I try to keep the lesson light, and enjoyable! I consider myself very personable with students and I am very comfortable teaching a variety of students. Parents are welcome to sit in if they choose. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

I will also use many Jazz and Latin Standards to apply the theoretical patterns learned. Artist included will be Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Pat Methany, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Sonny Rollins. I also communicate with my students as well to see specifically what they would like to learn/understand more of. Also, for my piano students we will be use the "Hanon Complete" book to work on speed and strength. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Recorder Oboe English Horn

I firmly believe that everyone can learn to play music well. Natural talent exists but if you have the passion and desire then you can achieve anything! I plan the lessons around the individual student and their needs and focus on keeping the students eager and positive by emphasizing strengths and finding solutions for improving areas of difficulty. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching philosophy, shaped through years of varied classroom and private experiences, revolves around empathy and individuality. Every student is unique in their strengths and deficiencies, and it is my job as a teacher to figure out the most effective and enjoyable method of conveying knowledge. I specialize in creating personal, individualized practice plans and exercises for students, even going so far as writing etudes and recording transcription exercises with specific students in mind. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

Later on, students will learn to read music in-depth--not merely replicating what's represented on the page exactly as-is, but with a broader and deeper understanding of the movements and relatativities taking place within the music, while building an ability (and feeling of mobility) to experiment with re-harmonization, substitutions, and alterations of all sorts. Especially at beginner levels, students often are flooded with an endless stream of lifeless representations, scales, formalities, technicalities, and special names, and as a result, their interest becomes stifled. "Music" comes to mean a drab exercise with an authority figure instead of the rich, profound, imaginative, vibrant, feeling, potent, and meditative social being that it can be. Read More