Saxophone Lessons in Volo, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never imagined God had plans for me to be a music teacher. I had taken piano lessons for about 15 years (later adding recorder, guitar, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and cello) and was working as a front desk receptionist in a music school when a teacher notified us of an unexpected long-term absence. My boss--who had known me for almost 20 years, and who taught me piano-- approached me and said she would like ME to teach the affected students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important part of my job as an instructor is listening - to how the student plays, why they play, and what they hope to accomplish. Each student is different - do you want to play just for fun? Advance in your school band? Audition for college entrance? Prepare for a solo recital? Whatever your goals are, I will provide you with the guidance to fulfill them - the practicing is up to you! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

I began my musical career playing clarinet and saxophone for the Marine Forces Pacific Band in Honolulu, Hawaii. While serving, I was the concertmaster, clarinet section leader, and leader of the woodwind quintet for a combination of 300+ performances around the world. I also have several years of experience playing saxophone in a Latin big band located in Honolulu, Hawaii - Son Caribe. I've recently moved to Chicago to continue studying music at DePaul University and have been freelancing with local orchestras, opera companies, and churches. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have a bachelor's degree in saxophone performance from Nazareth College and a master's degree in jazz performance from DePaul University. In pursuit of my degrees, I performed classical repertoire in solo recitals while also performing with jazz ensembles, wind ensembles, and saxophone ensembles. Additionally, I worked with various jazz and rock groups outside of school. I perform frequently throughout Chicagoland with various ensembles and have appeared at several of Chicago's top venues for jazz and improvised music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More