Saxophone Lessons in Huntington, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I began teaching lessons while in high school. I first taught elementary and middle school students, eventually progressing to my high school peers. My primary goal with younger students is to inspire and develop their own interest in music. Consistent practice is much easier to accomplish when the student wants to improve on his/her own, rather than viewing practice as another homework assignment. I have been teaching for 15+ years, evolving significantly both as a saxophonist and teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

It is always my goal to provide the student with quality and valuable information. It is most important for the student to be most attentive to become familiar with the experience of playing an instrument and making progress to take home with them. After this it is most important that the student remains inspired to practice and recall the experience from the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

I think it is absolutely important to develop a teaching style that is based around positive reinforcement. Praising when you like what the student did. When you can tell there is progress from week to week, telling Jonny that you can tell he practiced is a brilliant way to inspire Jonny to associate hard work with progress. I live by the mantra, 2 praises and a wish, meaning offering 2 words of REAL positivity followed by constructive criticism. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different as every student is different, so I make a point to cater to the individual and not get locked into an umbrella method of teaching. I make myself available to each student to ask questions and get the most information out of whatever subject we might be discussing/learning. I make sure that each students needs get met by determining on day 1 of lessons what they want to get out of music and the instrument they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I liked Paul's smooth sound and became interested in jazz.From that point onward, I wanted to hear more about this thing called "jazz." The first jazz album I ever owned was "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. I started to listen to the likes of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins.Listening to these greats, I started to realize what I wanted to be in my life. What I liked about their music was not only their obvious talent, but their ability to excite and calm their listeners in a span of one song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My methods depends on the skill level and interest of the student. Fundamentals are key, but I always try to incorporate them with music that the student is interested in learning. I believe that music should never be boring, and practicing should never be a chore! I also believe that musicians of all skill levels can and should improvise, as it is a fundamental form of creative expression that is often overlooked by classically trained musicians. Read More