Saxophone Lessons in Manchester, WA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

My main focus is trying to teach students HOW to learn music, so that they can eventually create their own methodology based on what works best for them. I have eight years of experience teaching private lessons, so I understand how to craft a curriculum to an individual's needs. Working with hundreds of different musicians has taught me that everyone learns music differently: some through sight reading, others with audio recordings, others still by watching someone else do it first.  We can work on specific topics during our lessons, but I can also give you a bunch of things to review/work on during your own time. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I first find out how the students learns best. Knowing if somebody is hands on, likes to listen, needs to watch, be shown etc. can impact the experience and quality of the lesson. Using analogies is something that has really helped me in my practicing so I enjoy passing that on. Setting realistic short term and long term goals are absolutely essential to progression, along with finding an inspiration. I have always found a player who inspired me and would figure out what they were doing to sound the way they sound. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have very high standards for teaching.That is why I did not start teaching until my fourties.At that point I felt that I had both the life experience and skills to be a good teacher.There is a lot more to playing music than just playing the right notes.That is what I call the mechanics of music but the not the soul.Obviously you must start with the basics to get to any deeper level of expression.That is what I am most passionate about.Why does anyone want to play an instrument? Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Music has been a big part of my life since I was in the third grade when I first joined the school choir. Eventually I migrated to playing Saxophone in middle school then to low brass in high school. After high school, I made the trombone my primary instrument, though I continued to play euphonium and tuba in college in various ensembles. I have had the opporunity to play all over the country including the Latin Jazz Grammys, the Playboy Jazz Festival, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, the IAJE conference, and for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start by asking about a student about their prior experience (if any), interests and goals on their instrument. With my students, I generally start by tackling basics like healthy breathing and posture, producing good tone, note-reading, and rhythm. Depending on students interests, we may then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques such as playing by ear, learning longer, more complex classical or jazz pieces, music theory, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Tracy Knoop, Kareem Kandi, Steve Treseler, Dr. Bob Miller as well as NYC based saxophonist Braxton Cook. I am fortunate enough to have been able to play on live radio for a total of 5x as a student at PLU with the Faculty Jazz group and alongside my band 322 which is still going strong. Along with playing in 322, I do work with some producers diving into more genres that incorporate jazz such as some lofi hip-hop and funk. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the chosen instrument, but also about its history and its role across musical styles. Music is fun, and while hard work and practice are important and essential, so is enjoyment of music and enjoyment of one's instrument. I also strive to include music related field trips such as to opera dress rehearsals, to music related sites such as the EMP or to other local performances. Read More