Saxophone Lessons in Houston, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

My methodology contains five planks: Listening - exploring important music for the saxophone as well as other instruments; Fundamentals - engaging in exercises to improve overall facility with the saxophone as a whole; Scales - playing scales and technical exercises to improve dexterity and and fluidity on the saxophone; Etudes - completing weekly etude assignments to gain speed as a learner Repertoire - performing and practicing core pieces written for the saxophone as well as jazz standards. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I am using my experience with Musika to hone my skills as an educator. I have participated in clinics in Japan and Korea, where I developed skills in individual and group instruction. I have worked with sectionals in the army in addition to directing rehearsals. The most important lesson I hope to impart on my students is the necessity of quality over quantity while also maintaining a love for the art of music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. 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 Clarinet

I am a devoted music teacher and passionate performer, who likes to inspire my students to love making music. I perform with orchestras and chamber groups all over the Pennsylvania/Ohio area including the West Virginia Symphony orchestra. Additionally, I have an active chamber group, Kassia Ensemble, a mixed instrumentation group dedicated to furthering women's leadership in the arts. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006 having studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony.  Read More