Saxophone Lessons in Lyon Village, DC

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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have my students spend a great deal of time on rhythmic accuracy, scales, and sight-reading. I create my own lesson plans and provide students with a variety of instructional materials. Students begin each lesson with rhythmic drills and scales with gradual increases in difficulty levels. I prefer using Rubank method books and the Klose Complete Method for the clarinet. Students are always free to bring in music from their school band program and/or solos and etudes of their choice. 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: 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 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

My goal is to ignite passion in students through exposing them to a variety of ways of thinking about music-- it is never too early to show students that composing and improvising can be fun in addition to performing written music. I am well-versed in teaching fundamental note and rhythm reading through both visual and aural avenues. With intermediate and advanced classical saxophone students I strive to encourage greater musicality through focus on expressive interpretation of phrasing and form, and studying of both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Read More