Saxophone Lessons in Laurel, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Music Keyboard

Later on, students will learn to read music in-depth--not merely replicating what's represented on the page exactly as-is, but with a broader and deeper understanding of the movements and relatativities taking place within the music, while building an ability (and feeling of mobility) to experiment with re-harmonization, substitutions, and alterations of all sorts. Especially at beginner levels, students often are flooded with an endless stream of lifeless representations, scales, formalities, technicalities, and special names, and as a result, their interest becomes stifled. "Music" comes to mean a drab exercise with an authority figure instead of the rich, profound, imaginative, vibrant, feeling, potent, and meditative social being that it can be. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I found love when I learned to make music. I have been playing saxophone since elementary school and even focused my college studies around it, graduating with honors from Florida AM University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music. I've had a wide range of experiences through music from Superbowl appearances to touring China as a musical ambassador for the 2008 Olympic games. I've performed with a number of well known jazz and classically trained musicians including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

For beginning students I like to start with the same book I learned; Essential elements by Hal Leonard. This book comes with a play along that serves as stimuli to the young ear. A compliment and more flute oriented book is Flute 101-103 Which ranges from beginners to medium-advanced students. During this period I will add repertoire appropriate to the level of the student and according to national standards like NISMA and All State. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

It is very important to me for students to have fun in lessons. That's my number one priority! Students who are enjoying playing their instrument are more likely to stick with it. My passion for music shines through in private lessons when I focus all of my energy on the one student. Watching the student grow and succeed is one of the greatest things about teaching. I am able to figure out what a student likes very quickly and use that to connect with them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

I've enjoyed teaching a wide variety of students each year since 2009 with most being middle or high schoolers. Many students the opportunity to perform in recitals or other public performances and several students successfully auditioned for Maryland All State Ensembles. I was a private instructor and led woodwind sectionals at the Bullis School in Potomac, MD where I taught lessons for 8 years. My favorite style of music is from the Hard Bop Jazz Era of the 1950s-60s but I also enjoy teaching and performing a wide variety of styles. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. Read More