Saxophone Lessons in Riverside, IL

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

As important as it is for me to help improve students technical ability and tone, I believe it is equally important for me to find ways to nurture students' creativity and passion for music. I believe it is very important for students to listen to a wide range of music, especially the type of music they are studying, in order to develop their awareness of style and nuance. I also encourage students to create their own exercises in addition to the ones I assign. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

When a student begins taking lessons from me, I will first assess their musical abilities and ask them what their goals are as a player. I then create a custom lesson plan. This plan is tailored to their goals, but is also based on the areas in their playing that need attention. Fundamentals are emphasized. Some topics covered in lessons may include reading music, embouchure, air flow, listening, tone quality, reeds, improvisation, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

In essence, my love of teaching stems from my Mom's love of teaching. She sincerely desired to teach my siblings and myself to pursue our highest dreams. It turned out that I did succeed as a star performer in music, on stages around the world. But also, when I decided to settle down, I added education to my 10-year plan. So, I went back to school for another master's degree, and taught music in CPS - performing three nights per week with my the Bartels/Benson duo, Connexion Band, Prohibition Orchestra, Bryan Skyler Trio, and other groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching experience started in June of 2023 when I started to work at a summer camp run by the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. During the camp, I worked with children from grades 2 all the way through high school. This gave me a lot of experience finding ways to teach people at varying experience levels. I also currently teach private lessons to college level students. In these lessons, we focus on developing overall musicianship, transcription, time, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

This is important because students will need to work in a group setting, make judgment calls, self-evaluate, evaluate the group, and strive towards improvement. As an educator, my goal is to foster an environment of community, leadership, integrity, trust, and mutual respect. Through the use of section leaders, student conductors, and assigned responsibilities, I hope to provide students with opportunities to assert themselves as leaders and make decisions that will affect the group in a positive way. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My number one rule when teaching students about music is to HAVE FUN. Music is meant to be fun and bring joy to people. While in lessons, we will learn about scales and arpeggios and work through exercises. And, believe it or not, I have got some ways to make those fun! Depending on if you want to study classical music or jazz, we might study a sonata or transcribe a solo. Read More