Saxophone Lessons in Twin Oaks, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

It is most important to me that my students become passionate about what they do! I realize that every student learns differently and has different interests than my own. Because of this, I like to cater my lessons to what they would like to do as often as possible and through this I find creative ways to incorporate fundemental technical elements into the lesson. This can be through creating patterns to practice using the material of a musical phrase from their favorite song or expanding their playing range on the instrument by playing it in different keys and octaves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

While my lessons are catered to each individual student, each follows a general curriculum that I have developed over the years through teaching. Method books are a great structured way to quickly get confident on an instrument, however they don't often encourage listening skills or creativity. This is why I structure my lessons around particular method books like Rubank or Faber while providing additional pieces, exercises, and improvising to supplement the book. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My love for music began when I was in fourth grade, and had a teaher that provided me with such a positive experience that I could not see my life with out music in it! I want to give students the same kind of positive experience I experienced! I hope to inspire students, and spark their passion for music! In 2013, I graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

In my opinion, I believe in the four "T" s. The student must generate a robust tone, that's their signature. Then comes technique, fluid technique is vital. Thirdly, is good sense of time, you can't perform without it. Lastly is taste, a student must acquire an acute sense of musical taste. These four principals are essential for all levels of music performance. Once a good foundation is established, the student will have the tools he needs to take on any musical challenge. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

For all of my students of any age, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and learning a recognizable song hand picked by the student and approved by me. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce jazz repertoire, sight reading and things like, technical exercises, jazz improvisation, theory, ear training and classical music etudes. I also introduce my students to composition and different musical creation techniques. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I start with Essential Elements, or another comparable method if their band program uses another book. Once the student reaches middle school and has a good concept of fundamentals, we progress to the Himie Voxman Selected Studies and Duets books. For high school and advanced middle school students, I use the Baermann Division III book, the Klose Method, the Rose etudes for clarinet, as well as beginning to introduce appropriate solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

My own mentor was a tough guy... He would stand behind me, yell, shout and pound my shoulder. For sure, it is not for everyone. With most students, I take a calm and relaxed approach. As a child studying the classics, I remember teachers hitting my hand with rulers when I made mistakes. Jazz; however, is a creative art. It also requires making things up on the spot, so the most important skill is not to avoid mistakes, but to be able to recover from them. Read More