Saxophone Lessons in Pinehurst, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have been a martial arts instructor and basketball/baseball coach for many years.Working with younger people has given me the skills to be an understanding and compassionate music instructor.i approach every student as an individual with different goals and needs.My teaching system is to approach every new student as an unique individual.I am very comfortable with teaching the foundations of music as well teaching how to improvise and solo, especially in the jazz context.I have had my own teaching practice for over 20 years with ages 6-80 years old. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I have come to learn that all students learn in their own unique way and at their own pace. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to identify these unique traits, encourage their strengths and improve their weaknesses. I also make sure they are learning what they want to learn, but more importantly, teach them what they need to learn to continuously excel musically. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching saxophone lessons while in high school in Ferndale, WA. I was still taking private lessons at the time; as my skill level advanced, my teacher saw my potential as a teacher and started referring some beginning students to me. Throughout college, I gained experience working with youth and adult students of all levels. As I gained more experience teaching and continued my own musical studies, I became a better, more confident teacher. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

If the student has no experience with music or the instrument, I will start them off with the very basics, such as: how to properly put together/take apart your instrument, proper care for the instrument, how to form a supportive and correct embouchure. This will also be accompanied by multiple books, which I usually recommend getting Essential Elements 2000 for complete beginners . We then have a foundation we can build on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am happy to curate lesson plans and materials to fit the student. If a student is truly a beginner I believe that starting with fundamentals such as simple major and minor scales is crucial before moving into any type of performance preparation. I believe it is important to incorporate students passions into practice as well, and as such I will encourage students to bring specific songs or works that they aim to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For methods; it will honestly depend on if the student has been working through something with a prior lesson teacher or after the first lesson and seeing what the interest is in either jazz or classical will go from there. For classical; I would utilize the Rubank method books that I used when doing classical music. For jazz studies, I find it more beneficial to start with the Charlie Parker Omnibook, Realbook, then start learning things by ear and memory depending on the level of the student and the progress we are making. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the chosen instrument, but also about its history and its role across musical styles. Music is fun, and while hard work and practice are important and essential, so is enjoyment of music and enjoyment of one's instrument. I also strive to include music related field trips such as to opera dress rehearsals, to music related sites such as the EMP or to other local performances. Read More