Saxophone Lessons in Viewtown, VA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Drums Music

I have decided to base my teaching style around the great bagpiper Andrew Douglas. He has given bagpipers the world over a manuscript that can be applied across the board musically but Lazer focuses on the mastery of the pipe "Every day: listen to masterful bagpipe music, interact with bagpipers as good or better than you, and play at least one tune on full bagpipes. Most days: hone essential fundamentals, in this order of priority: Rhythmic Accuracy Scale Navigation Gracenote Quality Blowing Mechanics/Posture Tuning drones together Maintaining optimal blowing pressure. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson with me will be structured like this:Emphasis on basics (scales, studies, tuning, etc)Sight Reading and Ear TrainingLearning techniques through pieces I am always aiming for technical building through the process of working through real music in order to keep lessons fun and engaging. I typically start beginning students with Essential Elements and work through the basics with that approach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

It is very important for the music instructor to learn the nature and characteristics of his/her students. It is crucial that the teacher can make adjustments to teach according to the nature of their students, some students can learn really fast and may have a desire to be pushed harder, but many students are either normal or may require a longer time to digest the material. I encourage students to practice in order to help their progress and I always model for students in the lesson. 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

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 Piccolo Latin Percussion

Music is fun! And learning it shouldn't be any more different! I encourage the student to explore what they love in music, a song, a movie, and try to figure it out on the instrument. When you play something that you absolutely love you will have FUN and won't get bored with it. I love seeing my students thrive and let music be their passion as it is for me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I ask if they are using a specific book in their school program, and will work with that. Otherwise, I will start with the beginning Rubank method book, and move through books containing etudes and exercises of increasing difficulty. These may include folk/popular tunes and lighter classical repertoire. I believe that ensuring that the student enjoys playing is the single most important aspect to learning an instrument. Read More