Saxophone Lessons in Pitcairn, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

In my fifteen years on the saxophone, I've played in all sorts of musical environments and styles, equally comfortable sitting in a swing band as standing in front of an orchestra. No matter what skill level you are or what genre you're hoping to learn, I will be able to help you find ways to improve your sound and style. As my student, you will develop not just your finger work, tonguing, and breathing, but also fundamental listening and analyzing skills that will help you become a more well-rounded, thoughtful, and expressive musician. 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

My goal with my students is to tailor a specific lesson plan for that individual's musical needs. Some of my favorite books to use though are the Rubank series. I find this to be a very good book to help grasp the fundamentals of the instrument for beginning players. Once I feel they are ready then I will move them on to specific pieces that are appropriate for their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For piano students, I prefer Alfred's methods, whether the adult or for beginners. For band and orchestra, I use Essential Elements (or whatever their school is using), and supplement with Rubank's methods. For voice, I concentrate on whatever the student is interested in, with a foundation of good technique and understanding of the voice range and how to control it, with some solfege and sight-singing mixed in. Whatever the instrument, I follow and listen to the student to understand what they need, and change my curriculum to suit them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

Students will not continue studying, practicing, and performing if they don't enjoy the lesson experience and relationship with their teacher. Learning happens most meaningfully and rapidly (not to mention is sustained) when students connect with their teacher, and that most easily occurs when teachers are in tune with their students' interests and goals. As a former music student who sometimes had very little input in what I learned on certain instruments, I remember the boredom and sometimes dread on the lesson day! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I will use whichever book students are using for their band class in addition to Rubank books. I will begin by teaching fundamentals using these books, then I continue to teach solo repertoire. Read More