Saxophone Lessons in Skykomish, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have been an educator and performer in the Seattle area for over 20 years I enjoy working with beginners as well as more advanced students.I am a very patient teacher who both likes to challenge students but puts a priority on having fun and loving music.I also have been performing in the Northwest for over 30 years.I have been a member and co-founder of jazz,blues,reggae,experimental,and world music bands.I have performed at many venues and festivals around the Northwest including: Earshot jazz festival,Bumbershoot, Folklife, New Works for Saxophone, and many others. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am happy to curate lesson plans and materials to fit the student. If a student is truly a beginner I believe that starting with fundamentals such as simple major and minor scales is crucial before moving into any type of performance preparation. I believe it is important to incorporate students passions into practice as well, and as such I will encourage students to bring specific songs or works that they aim to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For methods; it will honestly depend on if the student has been working through something with a prior lesson teacher or after the first lesson and seeing what the interest is in either jazz or classical will go from there. For classical; I would utilize the Rubank method books that I used when doing classical music. For jazz studies, I find it more beneficial to start with the Charlie Parker Omnibook, Realbook, then start learning things by ear and memory depending on the level of the student and the progress we are making. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the chosen instrument, but also about its history and its role across musical styles. Music is fun, and while hard work and practice are important and essential, so is enjoyment of music and enjoyment of one's instrument. I also strive to include music related field trips such as to opera dress rehearsals, to music related sites such as the EMP or to other local performances. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I have come to learn that all students learn in their own unique way and at their own pace. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to identify these unique traits, encourage their strengths and improve their weaknesses. I also make sure they are learning what they want to learn, but more importantly, teach them what they need to learn to continuously excel musically. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For beginners, whilst working with a Standard of Excellence book, it's important to take the time to work on things on a smaller level throughout. Although working through the books and going onto the next level is the goal, I find it imperative ensure that the techniques are being fully utilized along the way. For example, we don't want to just read the notes and play along, we want to make sure that articulations, tone, breathing techniques and fingering is also being focused on. Read More