Saxophone Lessons in Sturtevant, WI

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. 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: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

When working in private lessons, I work with each student to set goals, both long and short term. I then assume the role of a guide whenever possible, rather than an authoritarian figure, so that sudents can discover concepts for themselves vs. having the information given to them. When students discover the concepts for themselves, they tend to understand them much better because they have learned them through practical use. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Lessons are catered to each individual student. The lessons are set up to maintain a balance between fun (to keep them encouraged) and necessary exercises to build the foundations that will excel them to the next level. Such methods will include basic music understanding such as posture/finger positions, reading music, ear training, improvisation, finger-memory exercises, etc., where they will both purposefully learn techniques and unknowingly develop very important musical faculties. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Watching a student of mine cultivate a passion for music is very satisfying! So, it is important that every student develops at his or her personal pace. I support this by creating sensible goals for my students at every lesson. Recognizing accomplishments increases a students desire to improve, and makes students excited to learn more. By understanding what motivates a student, I can actively modify my teaching to their wants and needs. Read More