Saxophone Lessons in Nixon, PA

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: Saxophone Flute

Through this, I learned what is the most effective ways to get through to a person and what methods resonate best with them. I then switched to Music Education where I learned and refined many of my teaching skills. During this time I had to teach others how to play various instruments and found that when teaching creating an environment where the student is free to make mistakes and learn from them is key, after all, we learn far more from our failures than from our successes. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a devoted music teacher and passionate performer, who likes to inspire my students to love making music. I perform with orchestras and chamber groups all over the Pennsylvania/Ohio area including the West Virginia Symphony orchestra. Additionally, I have an active chamber group, Kassia Ensemble, a mixed instrumentation group dedicated to furthering women's leadership in the arts. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006 having studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I make sure to teach each student at his or her pace. I love to see students succeed and enjoy their lessons. I also make sure to encourage students to keep going if he or she is having a tough time with a concept or skill. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

For young students or beginners, I start with a lesson book such as Essential Elements or Accent on Achievement. Each of these methods series have multiple books that the student can progress through. Once they have reached a certain level of understanding, I will sprinkle in songs that they know and enjoy, such as Disney songs, pop songs, etc. For high school students, I start with famous repertoire for their instrument or more advanced pieces they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Do you know what's more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music? Nothing! Therefore, it is important that each and every student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps motivate and fuel desire to progress, practice and learn even more. By learning what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to his/her wants and needs. Read More