Saxophone Lessons in Mount Juliet, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar

My teaching philosophy is "exploration as a road to mastery." I help students build a repertoire they can perform. This tends to be a combination of songs they know and love, and songs that I introduce them to. I introduce the elements of music theory in relation to songs. Scales, harmony, and ear training are grasped better, and enjoyed more, once a student has context. My goal is to have each student feel safe in the learning process, while still pushing them out of their comfort zone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Synthesizer Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to when I was 16 years old and started teaching students from the church that I played piano at. I've been teaching full time since I was 25 years old, and I love teaching. I believe students progress faster when they are learning to play their favorite songs, and are having fun with learning to play the piano. I also encourage students to learn to improvise and compose their own music by teaching them composition, harmony, rhythm, and practicing to backing tracks. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone

For beginning students, I teach the Rubank Method. For intermediate and advanced students, I teach the Frost School Jazz Method. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I create engaging lesson plans based on my students interests, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons fulfilling and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Although my collegiate educational background is not primarily in music, I have vast knowledge of music theory, and understand that each student has individual needs. My biggest method that has the most success, no matter the subject of training is "I Do, We Do, You Do". When teaching a new musical concept, it is most important for a student to have an understanding of the principle. I would explain the concept, and give an example by demonstrating the concept (I Do), however many times the student needs me to do so, and they would practice the concept with me (We Do), and once they feel comfortable trying the concept on their own, I would have them demonstrate the concept for me until mastery is achieved (You Do). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

First, I believe it is important all students have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of the instrument, which may include some scale exercises, for example. Once we achieve a basic level, we can move along to some solo repertoire, etudes, and tunes that target a specific area to keep lessons fun and engaging, all while reaffirming subjects learned previously. Regarding jazz and improvisation, lessons will cover a broad spectrum, ranging from modal improvisation, to bebop and postmodern styles, all while focusing on harmonic functionality and individual expression. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

Fostering the interest in music into a passion within my students is the ideal teaching situation. This is why I place importance on listening to the student's goals to make decisions for certain parts of the curriculum. There are technical and theoretical skills that must be learned, but the students have some choices in materials. Meeting them where they want to be is some of the strongest motivation I can provide for my students. Read More