Saxophone Lessons in San Marino, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I always try to teach the student how to improvise, because I think that improvisation is the heart of music, is where you can learn how to express yourself instantly. I encourage a continuity in the practice, it doesn't have to be 3 hours a day, it could even de 20 minutes a day, as long as you develop a discipline for it. I also use my own material that will fit the level and skills of my current student, in addition to exisitng repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I decided to offer piano and general music lessons while I was attending college. It turned out to be very fun and rewarding to see my students begin to understand and apply the concepts I taught them. Creating my own teaching style and curriculum was difficult, but learning from my peers was a great experience and very helpful. I also assisted in my Studio Ensemble class to teach arrangers and composers the general rules of writing and advanced theory. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For any type of student, beginner or not, I focus on building the skills of the individual to create successes on their own. My goal is to provide the student with skills and abilities that not only will provide them with a fruitful musical life, but also allow them to transfer the ethics and habits to any other career. I also go in depth to reasoning and pedagogical reasoning for my explanations so that the student can engage in critical thinking and draw conclusions on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to play audio/recordings for the students when possible, so that the student has an idea of the style, or the piece that we are studying.  This gives them something to reference to, but also gives them an aural aspect in their playing/practice habits. I also model for them constantly, so that they get more visual and aural reinforcement.  I sometimes give them short music concept/vocabulary assignments, such as learning the names of the notes on the staff, counting rhythms, meters, etc; all having to do with music theory and musical concepts that can be directly applied to their practical aspect of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Acoustic Guitar

To be honest, I never had a formal teaching experience as a music teacher since it is more like a hobby to me. I pursued a different career but music has always been part of my life and my burning passion for it never ceased. When I was a kid, I performed couple of piano recitals, and after several years, I eventually made my mom proud by playing the piano/organ in our church. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Embouchure: muscle distribution, posture, mouthpiece position Tone Production: tongue position, first tone , various dynamic levels, long tones Intonation: Overtone exercise, opening of throat , expansion of neck, singing pitch Articulation: reading phrase articulation , determining articulation Phrasing: playing each note with a purpose Repertoire: Standards , Publications Scales: major / melodic minor arpeggios thirds and fourths various exercises Patterns: symmetrical patterns for repetition and inside and outside harmonic structure Equipment: horns, reeds, mouthpieces, books, software, hardware Solo Interpretation : Playing in the proper idiom Ensemble interpretation: following the lead player, supporting role, blending History Saxophone Styles: Major influences on Jazz and Popular saxophone Practice routine: what , how long and in what order to practice Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I began teaching when I was in college around the age of 18. I started with a small group of only a few kids and later advanced to teaching over two dozen per week. I was also offered the position of saxophone instructor at my high school's band camp for three consecutive Summers. In that setting, I coached all 20 kids in a classroom at once and helped them on the field with memorizing their steps and music. Read More