Saxophone Lessons in Stafford, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I have at my disposal a variety of method books and exercises that I use with my students, depending on their age, level of achievement, and particular needs. I tend to use Accent on Achievement, the Breeze-Easy Methods, and the Belwin/Alfred Student Instrumental Course for young and developing players. As the student advances, I use the Rubank Advanced Method Volume I, then transfer to method books specific to the particular instrument being studied. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo Latin Percussion

My beginnings as a teacher go back to my undergrad in Puerto Rico where I would teach in a music academy with students from ages 10-17. As my academic life expanded I moved to Florida where I was the Teacher Assistant for my Masters degree for 2 years. There I taught college level students from all ages in classical music. In my Doctorate I also had the opportunity to be Teacher assistant for 2 years for Master students and undergrad where my focus was jazz, blues, pop and all sorts of commercial music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I begin with method books to teach the fundamentals and establish good practice routines. Once a good foundation is established, I like to move into solo and ensemble repertoire to develop lyricism and expression. For adults, I find out what the students are interested in, and direct my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun regardless of ability level. I have rigorous practice routines for all ability and commitment levels. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Drums Music

I believe in a gentle but firm approach to teaching. Also I will always meet my students where they are at individually and build them up from there. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" sort of method. I know discipline goes hand in hand with music, and the music doesn't come from the instrument but rather the musician. Part of my teaching method includes physical conditioning, I expect all of my students to care for their bodies as well as their instruments and I make no exception to this rule. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love to see my students overcome challenges in music. My music teacher used to say, "nothing is hard, or difficult, just challenging." If students learn how to practice effectively on their own, learning new music becomes easier over time. I teach my students how to approach a certain rhythm, phrase, or fingering and the techniques to do so correctly such as by slowing down and practicing with a metronome, our muscle memory will be able to play it up to speed once it's learned. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

Playing an instrument needs to be fun, and natural. In my classes, I not only teach the tools to make music. I also teach how to create a relationship with it. Such relationship with music has been proven to improve one intellectual capacity, motor skills, and social skills. What I propose in my classes is a way for the student to express better himself using his instrument, not just play it. Read More