Saxophone Lessons in Hickory Hills, IL

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 Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

I began my musical career playing clarinet and saxophone for the Marine Forces Pacific Band in Honolulu, Hawaii. While serving, I was the concertmaster, clarinet section leader, and leader of the woodwind quintet for a combination of 300+ performances around the world. I also have several years of experience playing saxophone in a Latin big band located in Honolulu, Hawaii - Son Caribe. I've recently moved to Chicago to continue studying music at DePaul University and have been freelancing with local orchestras, opera companies, and churches. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching when I was still a student at Northwestern University. When I graduated in 1986 with an MM degree I began to pursue it full time which took me to many different middle/high schools in the area. I also taught at Lake Forest College as well as Saint Xavier University. In addition, I have also taught many beginners over the years. Other teaching experiences include group lessons, sectionals, master classes, and playing for patients in the oncology wing at Sherman Hospital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy has been teaching since 2017. He has taught in both one-on-one and group lessons for students of all ages. Tommy has taught flute, clarinet, saxophone, and theory lessons to both beginning students and at the collegiate level. Tommy also performs with many different ensembles across a wide variety of genres. Tommy is 3rd/Bass Clarinetist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, runs the Delicious Bass Bass Clarinet Choir, runs the Elite Four Jazz Band, and is a reoccurring performer with the Oswego Chamber Musicians. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

In 2010, I graduated from VanderCook College of Music with a Bachelor's in Music Education. I have played in a variety of instrumental ensembles on different instruments, from euphonium, trombone, marimba and drum-set to name a few. I am motivated to helping people accomplish their goal of learning their instrument. I teach music for Chicago Public Schools and have started a music program at my school teaching, marching band, guitar, choir, drum-line and orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I began teaching while I was in High School and I would teach the younger students who were freshman and sophomores the tenor saxophone. Once I went to Eastman, I taught several people throughout the course of the four years there. I beleive that, particulalry when teaching the saxophone and flute, a mix of classical fundamental technique is very important as well as incorporating the jazz or rock repertoire. I feel that my skills as a music therapist can be very unique particularly because I can really attend to the needs of the student and adapt the music and lesson accordingly. Read More