Saxophone Lessons in Renton, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching style when helping out others is being laid back but also making sure that what we assign is being worked on. One thing that I have noticed in myself is that if I try to take more than I can handle, I set myself up for failure so making sure whatever we are working on is enough to keep you practicing until the next time we meet. I also love seeing anyone succeed so when that happens we make sure to be supportive but also make sure if something doesn't sound quite right we take some time to address that and see what we need to do so that next time you come, we are acing the material! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The first few students I ever had were actually swimmers! My first teaching experience came as a swim instructor for people of all ages at a local club. Because of my work there I was able to convert a small number of those kids into saxophone students as well and the teaching itch began! For the most part these students were family friends, and very much beginners so my strategies revolved around basic practice routines, some tone development work and helping with parts for school band or the like. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The goal for me as the teacher is to get the student excited about music while simultaneously improving. I set realistic goals and will work at the pace that each student needs. Understanding their particular learning style is vitally important to the success of music lessons, I do this by listening to students wants and needs and develop a curriculum based off of how it makes sense to them and their brain. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching method is tailored to the desired goal of the student. I commonly employ classical fundamentals, which provide the student with tools needed to play the instrument. These fundamentals include: long-tones (for tone production), scales (for technique), overtone series (for the low/high range of the instrument) and reading music. From here, each lesson is modified to the particular student's goals, whether that is improvisation, playing jazz, performing classical literature, exploring experimental music, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students, we work out of beginning method books such as Essential Elements or Standard of Excellence. This is supplemented with worksheets and personalized exercises specific to their needs. As the student advances, we will begin to introduce duets to begin to understand and play harmonized music. Once the student is able to play within a certain range, I will begin to use solo material as well as music that the student themselves would like to play. 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