Saxophone Lessons in Vanderbilt, PA

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching saxophone since I was myself a high school student but my most serious experience has been over the past few years. I worked as a teaching assistant to the world-renowned saxophone studio at the University of Michigan prior to my appointment at West Virginia University. I teach in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, commercial styles, and everything in-between. My saxophone studio at WVU features talented students from around the country. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Ukulele Recorder French Horn Piccolo Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For piano students, I prefer Alfred's methods, whether the adult or for beginners. For band and orchestra, I use Essential Elements (or whatever their school is using), and supplement with Rubank's methods. For voice, I concentrate on whatever the student is interested in, with a foundation of good technique and understanding of the voice range and how to control it, with some solfege and sight-singing mixed in. Whatever the instrument, I follow and listen to the student to understand what they need, and change my curriculum to suit them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning and intermediate clarinet and saxophone students I like using the Yamaha Advantage books or the Belwin Series. I like to use these lesson books and supplement with solo and duet material. I always encourage my students to bring in material they'd like to work on, from school band music to popular tunes they are intereseted in learning. I think it is important for all aspiring musicians to collaborate with others and make sure to play along with students in our lessons. I ask my students to plan their practice time each week, as I know how busy we all are! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Through this, I learned what is the most effective ways to get through to a person and what methods resonate best with them. I then switched to Music Education where I learned and refined many of my teaching skills. During this time I had to teach others how to play various instruments and found that when teaching creating an environment where the student is free to make mistakes and learn from them is key, after all, we learn far more from our failures than from our successes. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I am a music teacher with experience in teaching students in grades 4-12. I have taught all woodwind and brass instruments, percussion, and ukulele lessons. I also have experience with directing plays and musicals. I graduated Slippery Rock University with honors and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, Kent State University with a Masters in Music Education degree, and an currently attending Point Park University for my Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More