Saxophone Lessons in Lewisdale, MD

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

My approach to teaching is based on a large amount of communication between the students, the parents, and I. I love to know what my students are thinking in order to enhance what they are looking for in musicianship. I believe that musicians should be allowed to play and learn freely, however, the foundation given by learning jazz theory, gives any musicianship a bigger dynamic of playing for whatever genre they specifically like to play. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Deep Water; Joe Keys and the Late Bloomer Band; Frederick Douglass Alumni Dukes of Jazz Combo; Dunbar Alumni Big Band; Common Time Band; Rose Gold Experience; Milton Russell and the Promise; Brooks Long and the Mad Dog No Good; Charmaine Michelle Quintet; Funk Out The Trunk; The Pirates; Musicians Paradise; Sonic Trip Masters All Stars; The Upstarters; Irescent; The Kevin Ellis Project; Jeron White Polarity; Kim Poole Experience; and the New World Jazz Orchestra. 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

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My first experience as a teacher came as a sophomore and junior in high school. I was involved with a program where high school students would work with elementary school band students once a week, and help them work on their band program music and develop their musicality. I found the experience to be extremely rewarding, and have maintained that interest in teaching. I spent time in college working as a music theory tutor for beginning music students, and in graduate school worked to develop and implement lesson plans for beginning clarinetists. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. My professional career as a jazz musician has taken me to Europe, Japan and the continental United States. I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. Read More