Saxophone Lessons in Walkersville, MD

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

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

My teaching philosophy encourages exploration of music with a focus on the uniqueness of each individual student and their particular aspirations, typically emphasizing reading classical music and improvising solos for Jazz or other more contemporary styles while having fun growing as a musician! I try to make sure lessons are fun and rewarding by adapting my teaching style to focus on the student's learning style and interests. For jazz students I encourage a lot of back and forth play-a-long between myself and the student or between the student and a play-a-long track. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I am a passionate and patient instructor who loves to help students find joy in making music. I believe that developing a methodical way of practicing and thinking about music reading, tone production, and creating rhythm is the key to unlocking students' abilities to enjoy the music they produce. In 2008 I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. During my ungraduate years I studied classical saxophone with Dale Underwood and was selected as a soloist with the university's concert band on two occassions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

My approach to teaching is based on a large amount of communication between the students, the parents, and I. I love to know what my students are thinking in order to enhance what they are looking for in musicianship. I believe that musicians should be allowed to play and learn freely, however, the foundation given by learning jazz theory, gives any musicianship a bigger dynamic of playing for whatever genre they specifically like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my young beginning piano students, I apply the Piano Adventures Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. For my older beginning piano students (13/14 and up), I apply the Alfred Adult Piano Method to ensure the material meets the student at his/her academic level. As for all woodwind students, I apply the Reubank Methody (Beginning, Intermediate, Advance), alongside Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for students currently in a school band. Once each student has reached a satisfactory level of performance, solo repertoire is then introduced. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I began my music teaching experience as a public school music educator before moving onto college and university level. Throughout all my years of teaching, I have always had a private music studio. My breadth of experience as a performer, lecturer, author and administrator has translated into a teacher with a high level of musicality and sensitivity. I have been trained in relating to and instructing students of all ages, as well as students with different levels of musical achievement. Read More

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

For young beginners, I generally will start with a beginning method book (such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements) but the book will depend on the instrument as well. For older students, I want to know what kind of music they enjoy playing or listen to, and guide them along to reach their goals--whether that be to play in a band, write and record an album, or just become a better player! Read More