Saxophone Lessons in Old Mill Creek, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I have extensive materials and exercises that can be used to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals that are needed to both play the saxophone and improvise freely. I love working with students on improving their sound, their range, and their fluidity on the saxophone. No matter their experience level, I know what steps are needed to unlock the next level in someones sound and playing. I have been lucky enough to study under masters of the instrument and can translate all of the knowledge I have been given to help students on a case by case basis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My experiences with teaching began in my later high school years - I was part of a community service organization at school dedicated to teaching local elementary school students at any grade. Since then, I've taught primarily clarinet students independently at Butler University in Indianapolis. I've also enjoyed a good deal of larger classroom work, as I was involved in two internships, one at the elementary level (3rd - 5th General Music) and one at the secondary (7th - 8th General Music). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

Ben maintains a small but thriving private studio of guitar, bass, clarinet, and theory students in Milwaukee and via Skype. Since 2005, Ben has developed a reputation as a first-call jazz, blues, fusion, and rock bassist. He has shared the stage with the late great tenor saxophonist James Moody, Grammy Award-Winning alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal, John DeSalme (tenor sax, US Army Blues), and Duffy Jackson (drums). He has also opened for Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Edwin McCain Band, and Chase Rice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I frequently assign listening homework, and I play audio recordings and videos during lessons that directly pertain to the areas we are focusing on. For example, if we are working on a classical solo piece, the student may watch footage of that piece being performed by a world-renowned saxophonist. This approach helps to keep things interesting and engaging. I will also record the audio of certain lessons so both myself and the student can track improvement. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important aspect of teaching music is to keep the student excited and engaged! I want my students to be eager to learn. I keep all lessons fun and casual, but stress the importance of hard work. I always encourage daily practice sessions, even if just for 15 - 20 minutes. Repetition is key! I discuss our goals for the lessons (what do you want to get out of the lesson? why do you want to learn saxophone?) and strive to meet our goals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For individual study, I use a number of diverse methods, depending on the needs and goals of the student. Beginner students will start with the Hal Leonard Beginner series, focused on mastering the fundamentals. Once a students has mastered the foundational technical scales, arpeggios, articulation; and understanding of time and tempo, we can proceed to augmenting the classical studies with jazz studies. For more intermediate - advanced students, we continue with the Hal Leonard series and augment with the Paul DeVille Universal Method for Saxophone, Klose 25 Daily Exercises, Voxman Selected Studies Books, and transcriptions of Bach (Cello Suites) and Taffanel (Flute Studies). Read More