Saxophone Lessons in Petrolia, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been teaching since 2006 and have had students become music educators and amateur musicians. I have students performing in PMEA district band, honors bands, HS marching bands and community bands. I work with clarinet and saxophone students of all levels, and beginner piano students. When students are interested, I can provide performance experience through a few recital opportunities. I am constantly exploring new teaching techniques and finding ways to best reach my students individually. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style emphasizes areas that the student enjoys playing, as well as method books and technique exercises that will advance their playing. Developing and solidifying core concepts in lessons is more important to me than speeding through exercises in a book, and I always stress the importance of doing things right before moving on. I encourage my students to practice at their own pace, however I always stress that picking up the instrument for even just ten minutes a day for a week is better than one day for an hour. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I typically teach the book that they use in band class. If they/the parents would prefer a specific book or are not in band, I typically use Standard of Excellence, the red book and then progress to the blue book. Once the student understands the fundamentals and has progressed, I then begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance.  For adults, I learn of what the student is interested in and then I guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter the ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons part time in high school. I have been teaching for five years and I have been consistently teaching students in their homes and at my studio at Westminster. I have encouraged regular practice, especially in younger students so they can develop their skills and passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For teaching clarinet students who are beginners, I use the book authored by Texas Lutheran University clarinet professor, Paula Corley entitled "So You Want to Play the Clarinet". Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I usually move to the Rubank books because of their varied content. If the student is working with a school group, we will sometimes work on that repertoire, but improving technique in general is always my focus. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I believe it is important for any teacher to be patient and compassionate. Every student is different in their abilities and learning processes. So I remain flexible in trying new ways to keep students engaged and not be distracted if certain techniques become difficult. Unlike a course where you receive a grade, lessons are like coaching sessions. Similar to coaching sports, consistent workouts and drills help build the foundation to perform. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

From beginning students to advanced students, I try to figure out what their immediate and long-term goals are. I have technique books for all levels and try to incorporate building a solid base before moving forward. This includes warm-up essentials, custom practice plans, and required active listening. Analyzing certain pieces of music helps to streamline the process of getting a student to where he/she wants to be.  Read More