Saxophone Lessons in Shanor Northvue, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been playing and gigging jazz music since I was right around 11. I work to make the saxophone into a multi-dimensional extension of myself. I was exposed to bands like Circa Survive and Lydia around the same time I was getting into monster players like Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, and Chick Corea. My first love is pop music, so folks like Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and Panic! at the Disco are direct influences. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

I am a driven player who believes ardently in the practice of fundamentals and the accuracy of intonation. I auditioned for the U.S Army Band in 2004 and spent 10 years traveling with the group. During this time, I played venues all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Germany, and Iraq among others, and learned to play many different styles of music. Since then, I have been studying with several esteemed musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and I hope to impart the lessons I have learned upon my students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Students have the most fun and learn the most when they are doing what they would like to do. This doesn't mean that the fundamentals aren't important but when it comes to the pieces and etudes we study the student will play what they would like to play. If I pick a piece that the student simply doesn't like then I will work with them to figure out what piece is suitable for them and help them get the most enjoyment from it. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am a devoted music teacher and passionate performer, who likes to inspire my students to love making music. I perform with orchestras and chamber groups all over the Pennsylvania/Ohio area including the West Virginia Symphony orchestra. Additionally, I have an active chamber group, Kassia Ensemble, a mixed instrumentation group dedicated to furthering women's leadership in the arts. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006 having studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have been teaching saxophone lessons as well as tutoring music theory for the past 3 years. I am able to work with beginners up to advanced players. Also, I can offer flute lessons for beginners and those who are at an intermediate level. During lessons, I collaborate with the student to find music that interests them or what their personal goals are. I avoid piling high expectations because school already demands a lot from kids. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style emphasizes areas that the student enjoys playing, as well as method books and technique exercises that will advance their playing. Developing and solidifying core concepts in lessons is more important to me than speeding through exercises in a book, and I always stress the importance of doing things right before moving on. I encourage my students to practice at their own pace, however I always stress that picking up the instrument for even just ten minutes a day for a week is better than one day for an hour. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe in meeting a student where they are. Stuffy method books and strict teaching regiments are not going to give the same results from each student. Finding music students like to play is a better way to get them excited about playing and will become an entryway into learning the more mundane parts of playing the instrument. After all, the musical concepts I want my students to learn can be found in all kinds of music. Read More