Saxophone Lessons in Haw River, NC

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to when I was still in high school. I would go to middle schools and give lessons. Now as a college music graduate, I have taught many ages including college peers. I think it is important to teach skills and methods that will help the student problem-solve and continue to learn even when they are alone. My students have done well in auditions and chair tests, and I always encourage both recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Presentation is everything when it comes to teaching. My teaching style varies from student to student. After teaching in the public school system for five years, I have learned that no two students are the same. I have learned that presentation and variety is the key to successful learning. My set goals are realistic and encourage the student to strive for excellence. Although I have a Master's degree, I feel like a lifetime music student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

For beginning students, we will spend a good amount of the first few lessons in developing core fundamentals. Once we have a solid foundation, I will start to add in some exercises. I work out of many books to expose my students to different methods of playing. For more advanced students, I will work with them on developing more characteristic sounds. We will also dive into deeper topics such as tone color, articulation style, and period specific styles. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I take a very detailed and analytical approach to music performance, and this is reflected in my teaching. I believe many students look at a piece of music that seems too difficult and become too overwhelmed to realize that's it's not as difficult as it may first appear. By breaking down music into its components, pitch, rhythm, dynamic, articulation, etc., and tackling each item one at a time, students who thought of music as a strange and foreign language begin to see it as something that just works and makes sense. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele

For the Clarinet, I typically use The Hendrickson Method book series with supplemental books on the side to enhance their various levels.  For flute and saxophone, I will evaluate based on the student's level. Once I have established a method book, I incorporate solos and additional techniques. I also encourage the students to bring music from their band class and/or other solos they may be working on for festivals, competitions, or auditions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Accordion Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More