Saxophone Lessons in Riva, MD

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

A native Washingtonian, tenor saxophonist Brian graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of The Arts, a product of master teacher and musician Davey Yarborough. He earned his BFA from The New School University in New York City, studying under Arnie Lawrence, Steve Neil, Charles Davis, Reggie Workman and Chico Hamilton. In 2008 Brian completed a Master of Music (MM) degree from Howard University where he was a graduate teaching assistant and student of saxophone virtuoso, Charlie Young. Among others, Brian has performed with Curtis Fuller, Gil Scott-Heron, Shirley Horn, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Clarke, Mickey Roker, Butch Warren, Freddie Redd, Tom Abbs & Frequency Response and currently plays with Tomas Fujiwara and the Hookup. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

My goal is to ignite passion in students through exposing them to a variety of ways of thinking about music-- it is never too early to show students that composing and improvising can be fun in addition to performing written music. I am well-versed in teaching fundamental note and rhythm reading through both visual and aural avenues. With intermediate and advanced classical saxophone students I strive to encourage greater musicality through focus on expressive interpretation of phrasing and form, and studying of both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe

I will typically begin with Alfred's Basic Piano Library book for piano students, as I believe that the best way to truly learn music is by playing songs instead of exercises designed to demonstrate techniques and concepts. Alfred's Piano Library offers exercises in the forms of music that increases with difficulty as new material and concepts are introduced to the student. With younger students especially, I always start with instructing the student on the basics of their instrument, such as the proper terminology, how the instrument actually produces sound, and proper maintenance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

My philosophical statement is that every child or adult should have the right to learn and gain a quality musical education no matter what their racial or sexual or religious identities etc maybe. I also encourage the importance of allowing each student to work at their own pace as they strive to achieve their goals of being a professional musician. I encourage this by working with each student to set realistic goals via the SMART method at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Outside of Towson University, I was a woodwind specialist with the Westminster High School Marching Band. I have worked in various music stores including Bill’s Music House in order to strengthen my knowledge and pedagogy of other wind instruments. Professional memberships include Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity and the National Association for Music Education. In these organizations, I have held leadership positions such as Northeast District Secretary/Treasurer, Alumni Relations Officer, and 25th Anniversary Chair for Kappa Kappa Psi. Read More