Saxophone Lessons in Mill Creek, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

If the student has no experience with music or the instrument, I will start them off with the very basics, such as: how to properly put together/take apart your instrument, proper care for the instrument, how to form a supportive and correct embouchure. This will also be accompanied by multiple books, which I usually recommend getting Essential Elements 2000 for complete beginners . We then have a foundation we can build on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching method is tailored to the desired goal of the student. I commonly employ classical fundamentals, which provide the student with tools needed to play the instrument. These fundamentals include: long-tones (for tone production), scales (for technique), overtone series (for the low/high range of the instrument) and reading music. From here, each lesson is modified to the particular student's goals, whether that is improvisation, playing jazz, performing classical literature, exploring experimental music, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I work with each student on a case to case basis, each student has different needs and approaches, all of which I try and accommodate. I encourage my students to practice at least an hour a day, this can be done in ten minute intervals or whatever amount of time the student can maintain focus. I would also love to hear about what my student is interested in and what I can do to help them become a more well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My experience as a teacher is very scarce but being a student for so long, I have been able to help others out during college while I was a student with how to approach practicing, utilizing what you learn in lessons to help reinforce great practicing and how to stay focused and motivated in the shed so you don't burn out or don't find joy in it. One thing I have learned being a personal trainer is to be able to make things fun so that we are engaged 100% of the time. 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: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

As much as I discuss with students what to practice, however, I think it’s more important to emphasize how to practice efficiently. The patience and focus needed to execute a song correctly is as much an exercise in meditation as it is about performing music. As I tell my students, the mind is the true instrument. Once they know what the symbols on the chart mean, where their hands have to go, and how a song is supposed to sound, they will have no trouble making music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the instrument proficiently, but how to play it musically. Techniques and proficiency are taught along side musicianship, expression and appreciation for all musical styles. Students are also assigned a Question of the Week and a Listening Assignment to enhance their knowledge of their instrument, its function in music, and about music as a whole. Read More