Saxophone Lessons in Quakertown, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

Out of countless saxophonists in the state, I was one of two tenor saxophonists chosen to perform in the district, region, and all-state wind ensembles and the only musician to be regaled the PMEA Richard Merrell Band Scholarship. In the jazz realm, my high school jazz ensemble auditioned and was chosen to be the only high school ensemble to perform at the 2015 PMEA state conference. With such a variety of music education and performance experiences, I was ready to continue my music education at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, an undergraduate program I chose specifically to study with Grammy nominated Ralph Bowen, known in the jazz world as a gifted educator. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

My responsibility as an instructor is to develop and refine the students musical skills. With good discipline and earnest effort the student can acquire these goals. I will personally develop a weekly regimen to meet the needs of the individual student according to their ability. I guide my instruction accordingly to keep my lessons interesting and challenging. With diligence one can attain these goals and it can be a rewarding experience for both teacher and student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe Bassoon

My teaching style can vary with each student each student has a different level of learning accessibility time restraints etc. One of the most important things I try to teach is the student to be his own teacher and whenever practicing whether it be 15 or 20 minutes when they are done with that practice session they have accomplished something some sort of improvement I have studied with teachers from the New York Philharmonic the metropolitan opera and the New York City ballet Orchestra they have all taught me and I pass on to the student to break down whatever they were playing and approach it in a patient manner by repeating and eventually getting their end result Whether it’s a few notes in a piece or a whole solo or exercise Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In my teaching I try to be sensitive to the individual student's needs and desires while stressing the discipline required to reach these goals. The study of music is often a progression of 'ah-ha!' moments where the student experiences an understanding of something they may have struggled with for a period of time. It is the responsibility of a teacher to leaad students to these breakthroughs by presenting a variety of approaches to something a student finds difficult while continuing to motivate them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons at the beginning of my time at Michigan State University. I have experience teaching all ages and skill levels including very young first timers up to experienced adults. In addition to private lessons, I have taught at the Apprentices in Jazz Workshop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a woodwind instructor, improvisation teacher, as well as big band director. While I am most experienced in Jazz, I love playing and teaching all types of music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

I am also the creator of a unique method called "The Seven Secrets of Jazz and Soul" which emphasizes the importance of using simple/easy-to-understand language, even when teaching the most difficult of concepts. I also believe in the importance of "coaching" as opposed to lecturing and try to minimize reading, writing and one-sided lecturing during the lesson. Instead, I sit next to my students, and calmly guide them through the creative process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More