Saxophone Lessons in Middle City East, PA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

For all of my students of any age, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and learning a recognizable song hand picked by the student and approved by me. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce jazz repertoire, sight reading and things like, technical exercises, jazz improvisation, theory, ear training and classical music etudes. I also introduce my students to composition and different musical creation techniques. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard

No matter which direction my students go, I always try to make sure they're having fun with the music and being able to play their instrument. Because otherwise, the music won't come out the same way without having that extra feeling put into it. In order for my students to reach further enjoyability, I always try to respect the pace at which each student picks up material and encourage my students to go about their craft with honesty and respect their own pace, knowing that music as a whole isn't a competition and that these students will all eventually reach their goal through patience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Accordion

In 2007, I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. I was a member of the Penn State Marching Blue Band and have participated in several Alumni Blue Band performances since graduating. I went on to earn my Masters of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2012. I enjoyed teaching music in the public school for ten years. In addition to teaching, I have also been the piano accompanist for both middle and high school choirs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to my undergraduate days, where I had plenty of field teaching opportunities as well as student teaching. My clarinet professor gave me opportunities to help out with teaching the Woodwind Methods classes at USM for more pedagogical experience. In grad school, I taught make-up lessons to undergraduate students, coached chamber ensembles, and taught lessons to non-majors. My philosophy of teaching starts with strong fundamentals, and knowing different ways to teach different students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone

It depends on the student. Every student has their own pace and I believe in developing a student where they are at. Music is a lifetime to learn and concepts are different for every student. I am very patient when teaching and I will challenge when I feel the student is ready for a certain challenge. Growth is very important to me because it tells me I am doing the job correctly if I can give a student more advanced level material and they are able to perform it properly. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods vary greatly depending on the student's goals and experience. Through the first few years of study, an emphasis on the fundamentals of music and instrumental skills is required. This typically takes the form of a beginning method book. For students beyond this phase of study, advanced technique work takes the form of scale, chord, and interval studies. I couple these with the development of repertoire that fits the needs and goals of that student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

A beautiful sound is the beginning of the creation of beautiful music! I find it most important to do work on a student's sound in the beginning stages of playing. To achieve the foundations of a good sound, playing pitches (beginning with A on alto) on the mouthpiece alone will develop the student's sound from the beginning as well as lay the foundations for a good embouchure. Doing this brings awareness to the students use of air by showing him/her the muscules used within and around the oral cavity in order to produce an optimal sound on the saxophone without developing bad habits that could be detrimental to a student's health. Read More