Saxophone Lessons in Hickory, PA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

As I have taught many students on many different instruments, my focus has been on providing students with a firm foundation, including proper posture, breathing, embouchure, technique, and pitch/rhythm literacy. I have found great success in using the Essential Elements method books, and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced methods, focusing on etudes, scale studies, and solo repertoire. Beyond a traditionally classical approach, I believe strongly in listening to my students to realize what they desire to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

In my fifteen years on the saxophone, I've played in all sorts of musical environments and styles, equally comfortable sitting in a swing band as standing in front of an orchestra. No matter what skill level you are or what genre you're hoping to learn, I will be able to help you find ways to improve your sound and style. As my student, you will develop not just your finger work, tonguing, and breathing, but also fundamental listening and analyzing skills that will help you become a more well-rounded, thoughtful, and expressive musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I believe it is important for any teacher to be patient and compassionate. Every student is different in their abilities and learning processes. So I remain flexible in trying new ways to keep students engaged and not be distracted if certain techniques become difficult. Unlike a course where you receive a grade, lessons are like coaching sessions. Similar to coaching sports, consistent workouts and drills help build the foundation to perform. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Through this, I learned what is the most effective ways to get through to a person and what methods resonate best with them. I then switched to Music Education where I learned and refined many of my teaching skills. During this time I had to teach others how to play various instruments and found that when teaching creating an environment where the student is free to make mistakes and learn from them is key, after all, we learn far more from our failures than from our successes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I will use whichever book students are using for their band class in addition to Rubank books. I will begin by teaching fundamentals using these books, then I continue to teach solo repertoire. Read More