Saxophone Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar

My teaching philosophy is "exploration as a road to mastery." I help students build a repertoire they can perform. This tends to be a combination of songs they know and love, and songs that I introduce them to. I introduce the elements of music theory in relation to songs. Scales, harmony, and ear training are grasped better, and enjoyed more, once a student has context. My goal is to have each student feel safe in the learning process, while still pushing them out of their comfort zone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Above all else, music is supposed to be fun. I want my students to be excited about learning new things each week. Music is also a collaborative practice, so I think it is important for the student and the teacher to play together in a supportive environment to help reaffirm the week's lesson. I understand that each student is different, and weekly assignments will be given accordingly.This will require a reasonable weekly goal so that students can see their progress and feel good about their accomplishments, inspiring them to continue playing and learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I like to structure my lessons to cover three main areas of saxophone playing: tone development, fundamental technique, and musical interpretation through repertoire. I like to get to know my students, and in this way create an individualized learning plan based on their needs and interests. I believe it is important to create a learning environment where the student succeeds and enjoys making music. As a result, my students become leaders in their school bands and develop confidence that can be applied to all areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone

Ive been teaching saxophone and piano lessons professionally for the last 7 years, and have had students go on to play for the Utah All-State Jazz Band and have earned several scholarships. I encourage regular practicing and give weekly assignments that include rudiments, transcription projects, and listening assignments. I focus on the jazz language and how its been applied to modern genres like hip hop, funk, and RnB. My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Synthesizer Keyboard

For beginner students, we start off using the beginning books from "Piano Adventures" by Faber Faber, and published by Hal Leonard. They learn to read music, improvise, music theory, and play all style of music. A typical lesson for an elementary school student would be 10 min of playing assigned pieces that they've practiced for the week, 10 min of new songs for the next week, 5 min of music theory, and 5 min of some sort of musical game. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

Fostering the interest in music into a passion within my students is the ideal teaching situation. This is why I place importance on listening to the student's goals to make decisions for certain parts of the curriculum. There are technical and theoretical skills that must be learned, but the students have some choices in materials. Meeting them where they want to be is some of the strongest motivation I can provide for my students. Read More