Saxophone Lessons in Volo, IL

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

When working in private lessons, I work with each student to set goals, both long and short term. I then assume the role of a guide whenever possible, rather than an authoritarian figure, so that sudents can discover concepts for themselves vs. having the information given to them. When students discover the concepts for themselves, they tend to understand them much better because they have learned them through practical use. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

Teaching is something I have always felt passionately about. I first started teaching at the age of 14, teaching martial arts to young kids nearly every day at my stepfather’s martial arts school. As I grew up and began taking music more seriously, teaching remained an important part of my life: as clarinet section leader in the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band in Hawaii, I was responsible for administering weekly lessons to other clarinet players in the band, and I also worked with several school music programs in Hawaii, developing and leading masterclasses for K-12 students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

When I am introduced to a new potential student I try to assess the level of interest, and the reason behind the desire to take up an instrument. I also like to understand what the extracurricular activities are that may create a roadblock when it comes to practicing. As a father of 2 boys 8 and 11, I know the number of distractions, homework, and how life can get in the way. I enjoy working with everyone from the casual enthusiast, to the dedicated pupil. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

With beginning and other school age students, I work with any lesson book or material given to them from their director or teacher, regardless of the method book. From my learning, teaching experience and work in music retail I am familiar with most of the method books in use, especially Standards of Excellence, Rubank, Essential Elements and others. I also am knowledgeable in other intermediate and advanced books, such as Klos, Arbans, and Clarke. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching in 2000, and since then have taught saxophones, flute, clarinet, improvisation, chord theory, piano / keyboard, basic music understanding to young children in a classroom setting, and coached worship teams and group seminars to all ages. It is a great joy to see students excel and expand as they take what they have learned into their own lives! Without focus on achieving this, I have witnessed most of my school-aged students advance to lead positions in the ensembles they are involved with, as well as continuing with a passion in their gifts! Read More