Saxophone Lessons in Mount Vernon, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love to see my students overcome challenges in music. My music teacher used to say, "nothing is hard, or difficult, just challenging." If students learn how to practice effectively on their own, learning new music becomes easier over time. I teach my students how to approach a certain rhythm, phrase, or fingering and the techniques to do so correctly such as by slowing down and practicing with a metronome, our muscle memory will be able to play it up to speed once it's learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I knew I was going to become a music teacher at the age of ten, so I absolutely understand how much of an impact teachers have on students from a young age. I have been teaching larger ensembles for most of my college years, but have had private students around my school schedule for many years. Finding what motivates the student is key. If the student isn't motivated or doesn't care, then I need to change something! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I have at my disposal a variety of method books and exercises that I use with my students, depending on their age, level of achievement, and particular needs. I tend to use Accent on Achievement, the Breeze-Easy Methods, and the Belwin/Alfred Student Instrumental Course for young and developing players. As the student advances, I use the Rubank Advanced Method Volume I, then transfer to method books specific to the particular instrument being studied. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a recent VCUarts Music graduate. My concentration was jazz saxophone. I have been playing saxophone for over 20 years, but the last four years have been intense, as I was working diligently to complete my music degree. I have been a member of several small jazz ensembles since 2019, and I also served as lead tenor saxophonist in VCU's Jazz Orchestra I for two years. My biggest takeaway from VCU is that I have a genuine love for music, and I am committed to spending the rest of my life learning about it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

My teaching style is very analytical yet engaging! I try to establish a good relationship before pushing a student. At that point I will ask the student to play to the best of his/her ability. I teach in a style that helps children isolate problem areas, so that they can practice specific excerpts they are struggling with. I also do a lot of ear training and music theory to ensure that students are obtaining well-rounded musical skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very relaxed and chill person, even as a teacher. I will push you, though. I know that students' successes must be acknowledged and I do not hold back praise for my students. At the same time, I also bring their weaknesses for them to see. I aim to help them come up with plans to overcome their weaknesses and better their playing. At the same time, I look to see how far a student can be pushed. Read More