Saxophone Lessons in Vienna, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My first experience as a teacher came as a sophomore and junior in high school. I was involved with a program where high school students would work with elementary school band students once a week, and help them work on their band program music and develop their musicality. I found the experience to be extremely rewarding, and have maintained that interest in teaching. I spent time in college working as a music theory tutor for beginning music students, and in graduate school worked to develop and implement lesson plans for beginning clarinetists. Read More

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

My teaching experience started after college, teaching a family friend bass guitar. From there I realized I could just as well teach guitar, piano, and saxophone as well. I find it rewarding to watch people grow and learn skills they can use the rest of their life, enriching their life with the expression of music. From taking private lessons of my own on saxophone and guitar throughout high school and college, I've learned that consistency of practice is key! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

First I like to get a snap shot of the student's goals and sources of inspiration, once I figure that out I can tailor my instruction around their wants and needs. I see myself as an accountability partner with my students and so I help my students set goals for their progress, celebrate their successes, and evaluate the shortfalls. I encourage loved ones to be a supportive and active part of the process as that encouragement can fuel a student's desire to grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

During my employment with Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education (in Wilson, NC) where I introduced a marching band program and lead the band to winning second place in the Music in the Parks competition in May of 2015. During my internship I was able to develop a percussion line with the students in under a month. The formation and level of proficiency of the percussion section was so astonishing that administrators, staff, other teachers, and even the principal dropped in from time to time just to hear the progression of the ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I intend to see progress in every student! I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at the begging of each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps boost a student hunger to learn more! By trying to find out what inspires the student I can succefully tailor my instruction to the wants and needs of every student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. My professional career as a jazz musician has taken me to Europe, Japan and the continental United States. I have nearly 30 years experience playing the saxophone/flute/clarinet. I began teaching (privately) in 2001. Additionally, I've taught middle school band as well as college level courses, including, Improvisation, ensemble, Jazz history and saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning elementary and middle school students I usually use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once my student has a working knowledge of the fundamentals, I introduce music that will build confidence and keep the student's interest. Although I am using a method book, it is just a guide. Along the way, I may supplement the book with other exercises to work on specific techniques. For adults, I first assess my student's skill level, and we talk about goals and a realistic practice schedule. Read More