Saxophone Lessons in Wayne, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

My responsibility as an instructor is to develop and refine the students musical skills. With good discipline and earnest effort the student can acquire these goals. I will personally develop a weekly regimen to meet the needs of the individual student according to their ability. I guide my instruction accordingly to keep my lessons interesting and challenging. With diligence one can attain these goals and it can be a rewarding experience for both teacher and student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

A beautiful sound is the beginning of the creation of beautiful music! I find it most important to do work on a student's sound in the beginning stages of playing. To achieve the foundations of a good sound, playing pitches (beginning with A on alto) on the mouthpiece alone will develop the student's sound from the beginning as well as lay the foundations for a good embouchure. Doing this brings awareness to the students use of air by showing him/her the muscules used within and around the oral cavity in order to produce an optimal sound on the saxophone without developing bad habits that could be detrimental to a student's health. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In 2014 I completed my Doctor of Musical Arts degree and moved to the Philadelphia area. I have been an active performer, composer, and educator for the last 15 years of my life recently serving as Artist in Residence at Penn State's Altoona campus. Alongside performing in the Philadelphia area I have been a guest lecturer and artist for The University of the Arts in 2014 and 2015. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Over the years, I have performed at many of the top Jazz clubs in America including Smalls, Smoke, and the Kitano in New York City, Chris' Jazz in Philadelphia, An Die Musik and the Hopkins Club in Baltimore, Twins Jazz in Washington, DC, The Bop Stop in Cleveland, and The Elephant Room in Austin. Other notable venues I have performed at include the Fillmore in Silver Spring, Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, and The Highline Ballroom and Harlem Gatehouse in New York City. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Recorder Oboe English Horn

My teaching method is tailored to each student depending on their level and what they want out of the lessons. I start out beginner students with a beginner method book depending on what instrument they are studying with me and progress to etudes, solo repertoire and even orchestral excerpts as they advance. We work together to find fun ways to practice and understand music performance in a variety of different styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

My own mentor was a tough guy... He would stand behind me, yell, shout and pound my shoulder. For sure, it is not for everyone. With most students, I take a calm and relaxed approach. As a child studying the classics, I remember teachers hitting my hand with rulers when I made mistakes. Jazz; however, is a creative art. It also requires making things up on the spot, so the most important skill is not to avoid mistakes, but to be able to recover from them. Read More