Saxophone Lessons in Villa Park, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I am a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 2007, I graduated from Roosevelt University with a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance. I don't perform professionally, but I do play in a few community bands throughout the Chicagoland area. In 2004, I graduated from VanderCook College of Music with my Bachelor of Music Education degree. I taught in a few elementary schools, but I like the idea of teaching students on an individual basis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

I always knew I wanted to study music, and chose Illinois State to do so. While there, I participated in musicals, as well as concert choir and the women's elite chorus "Belle Voix." Since college, I have been writing original cabarets and performing live around the city of Chicago. It's my philosophy that one should never stop learning, so I study regularly with my voice teacher of eight years, Sandra DeAthos, take class at the Bloom School of Jazz (vocal performance and jazz piano), and with the Second City Music Conservatory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

90% of being a good saxophonist is the responsibility of the student, and 10% is on the teacher. Even though a student should work hard to improve, I recognize that my 10% is extremely vital. Since my scheduled lesson with a student only represents a fraction of the time they play their horn, I keep it fun, upbeat, and encouraging. If a student is struggling with an assignment, it will be met with kindness and patience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

We will also work to devolope their ability to play with the stylistic expression necessary to perform classical and jazz saxophone. Students will also learn basic music theory and jazz improvisation. Advanced students work to master their classical saxophone by perfecting rapid and exciting technical pieces while learning to play with passion and grace in slower, lyrical selections. Advanced students seeking jazz saxophone skills will be able to take advantage of my extensive library of jazz repertoir and literature. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I don't believe there is one absolute method and encourage my students to find whatever sparks musical joy in them, so I can help them pursue that. I can learn so much as a teacher by being shown what makes other people creatively stimulated. This is one my favorite parts about teaching! I can provide the knowledge and exercises to build a strong musical foundation, but it is up to the student to use these skills to express their own musicality and to access all the of the music they love on a deeper level. Read More