Saxophone Lessons in Mount Pleasant, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I encourage progress. I love to see students become stronger and more confident musicians. I like to get students as much into "the real world" as possible, so I push for getting students performing as much as they are learning. I separate practice from performance, with an understanding that how a student sheds will be the core of what is possible in a performance setting.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning and intermediate clarinet and saxophone students I like using the Yamaha Advantage books or the Belwin Series. I like to use these lesson books and supplement with solo and duet material. I always encourage my students to bring in material they'd like to work on, from school band music to popular tunes they are intereseted in learning. I think it is important for all aspiring musicians to collaborate with others and make sure to play along with students in our lessons. I ask my students to plan their practice time each week, as I know how busy we all are! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I like to work with students through the Rubank Method books. These are excellent books for any level musician to pick up and work from. I use these as a foundation of technique that can be translated to repertoire. Again depending on the style of music the student wants/needs to practice, I will pull from etudes, solo transcriptions, and popular music to start building the student's repertoire. I will also work with students on building skills in improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

My style is focused but fun! I ask my students to practice every day. While this may sound daunting, it's really the only way to make progress in music. My students know that I have many different ways to teach something, and I never give up! When a student struggles with a concept or technique, I love to dive into the nitty gritty of the situation until we've found a solution. Read More