Saxophone Lessons in Herndon, VA

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 Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

As an instructor, my job is to give the student every opportunity possible to discover their passion for music. The first lesson is always about providing a safe relaxed tone and finding out where that student's progress is. Not establishing an accurate assessment of their progress can be very destructive because it could cause me to come off as either too demanding or condescending. Depending on what their level is, I will design a custom curriculum to bring their weaknesses to the same level as their strengths. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a composer and clarinetist who wants to fill the world with music by composing, performing, and teaching. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2011 with a BA in Music, where I primarily focused on clarinet performance, as well as music theory and composition. I am currently a master's student at George Mason University, and continue to actively play that clarinet. I have performed with numerous groups, including the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Mary Washington Jazz Ensemble, the City of Fairfax Band, and the Mason Modern Music Ensemble (M3E) at George Mason University. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

Although it is my responsibility to teach fundamentals of playing the instrument and reading music correctly, I spend as much time as I can on not becoming enslaved to the printed page. In other words, once a student begins to play at a higher level, I introduce how to express oneself and the music in an aesthetically satisfying manner. Breaking down the barriers caused by musical notation and enabling an individual to express themselves musically and with proper phrasing and sensitivity is my primary goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Music is supposed to be fun, dynamic, and a way of expression. So I never attach myself or the student to a given program or method, but I offer a tailored program that bettersuits the student needs. I like to explore the student's musical tastes, skills, and to introduce new ones. My teaching methods are a mixture of discovery and practice that may or may not use formal books and methods. Read More