Saxophone Lessons in Kittanning, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I believe that once a student enjoys what they are doing - that's where the true learning starts. I want to encourage the student to push their limits with their instrument. However, I will make sure that the student plays within their skill level to avoid bad performing experiences. If they want to play a piece that is out of reach for them, I may pick a piece that is very similar to that one with a goal in mind to one day work up to that piece. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I am a PA licensed K-12 Music Educator with current clearances. Having taught in various public and private schools for 15+ years, I have a great deal of experience working with students of all ages and at all levels of knowledge and skill. I have taught students in band, orchestra, music technology, general music, and AP music theory. My primary instrument is the saxophone, which I have played for 35 years. In addition to full-time teaching, I have taught students privately since the age of 15. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

As a teacher, I'm interested in more than just my students' success on the saxophone. I want to cultivate their understanding of music from all angles - to get them listening to new styles, learning the history, analyzing the pieces they play. I also want to ingrain habits that will help them in all areas of their life - setting achievable goals, developing discipline, respecting others, and loving to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I love to see students develop in their musical skills! I maintain a positive and fun atmosphere in my teaching and can work with virtually any learning style. I do expect my students to practice so that their lesson is worth the money they have put into it and the time I have set aside for it. At each lesson, I review what was assigned at the previous lesson. Ideally, these items are touched on briefly and then we move on! 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: Saxophone Flute

I like to work with students through the Rubank Method books. These are excellent books for any level musician to pick up and work from. I use these as a foundation of technique that can be translated to repertoire. Again depending on the style of music the student wants/needs to practice, I will pull from etudes, solo transcriptions, and popular music to start building the student's repertoire. I will also work with students on building skills in improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I make sure to teach each student at his or her pace. I love to see students succeed and enjoy their lessons. I also make sure to encourage students to keep going if he or she is having a tough time with a concept or skill. Read More