Saxophone Lessons in Ridgefield, WA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I've been a professional music educator for over 15 years, teaching students from elementary school age to those in retirement. I love music and I love sharing it with others through performing and teaching. Watching my students' musical worlds expand is what I love best about this profession. I've played in just about every type of musical situation from orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo classical recitals to jazz bands, singer/songwriter, musical theater, world music, and avant-garde settings. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I encourage my students to be technically proficient, musically literate, and good listeners. Having these core fundamentals down prepares my students to be able to play any style of music they choose. Lessons are always customized to fit the musical preferences of the student.  I use my preferred method books but am able to incorporate the books the student already owns within the lesson plans.  I encourage the use of technology such as smartphones, iPads, and play-a-longs as teaching aids. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The curriculum that I use varies according to the various orchestral instruments, singing or piano, and of course according to the levels of ability. I work with many different technique books and workbooks to teach music notation and reading.Within 3-6 months, my students will be reading notes, understanding rhythms both complex and simple, and playing and singing anything from classical to Pop to Broadway and even writing and recording (I am a recording producer as well)their own songs, if they choose! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate a motivated while also being able to teach all levels of saxophone and clarinet. I have both a Bachelor of Music from the University of Oregon and a Master of Music from the University of Wyoming in Saxophone Performance. I have played both saxophone and clarinet for over twenty years. I have taught privately and in group lessons at the novice, intermediate and collegiate levels. In high school I was named the best saxophone soloist in the state and won numerous awards in both jazz and classical. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

For beginning students, I have used Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as Nancy Faber's Adventures series. For piano students, I like to use Hanon exercises to develop not only necessary musculature but also disciplined use of a metronome for practicing. For students interested in exploring music theory and/or jazz, I use the Real Book combined with my own materials explaining the theory around chord symbols, chord scales, modes, and the like. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My PRIMARY goal is to instill a love for music in my students. My goal is for my music students to keep music in their lives so that it is an important part of their world, long after they are finished taking music lessons.  My teaching experience includes all levels, from Middle School to University levels and adult students.  I have taught Choir, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Music History and Music Theory; as well as private clarinet lessons to students ranging from beginners to advanced college students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Beginning piano students have used The Music Tree series. The format provides excellent reading skills and develops tonal memory and theory. Clarinet for Beginners by Avrahm Galper is the method book that has given students a foundation for whatever level they aspire to achieve. Students are encouraged to tell me what they would like to play. Overcoming performance anxiety is an important skill. I have developed a technique that has successfully overcome that problem for many students and friends.  Read More