Saxophone Lessons in Western Springs, IL

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

Hello! My name is Tia J. and I am a professional music educator. I first discovered my passion for music when I started playing the harp at 7 years old and fell in love with teaching in 2006 when I first started teaching private music lessons. My priorities as a teacher revolve around tailoring instruction to help students achieve their individual goals, whether they are personal goals and/or closely tied to educational/ career goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I believe it's important for them to begin playing the first day. I get the students to make their first sound and teach the technique and theory as they learn their instrument. For beginning voice students I use the same method, but I like to use a song that the student knows. For students with experience I like to have them play or sing something they know and I evaluate that and I will work with them on that song and build their technique. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For individual study, I use a number of diverse methods, depending on the needs and goals of the student. Beginner students will start with the Hal Leonard Beginner series, focused on mastering the fundamentals. Once a students has mastered the foundational technical scales, arpeggios, articulation; and understanding of time and tempo, we can proceed to augmenting the classical studies with jazz studies. For more intermediate - advanced students, we continue with the Hal Leonard series and augment with the Paul DeVille Universal Method for Saxophone, Klose 25 Daily Exercises, Voxman Selected Studies Books, and transcriptions of Bach (Cello Suites) and Taffanel (Flute Studies). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

As I said earlier I tend to use the Rubank and Essential Element books in lessons. I start with seeing what the students goals are and making a goal sheet. For instance if a student is interested in Musicals. We will start with our basic warm up and techniques but on top of that I would assign an excerpt from a musical that correlates with the current lesson. So that way the student is working toward their goal and having fun doing so. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I began teaching private students many years ago when I was in college. I quickly realized that teaching was extremely fulfilling, in a completely different way than performing. With teaching I am able to give back to the community and help to inspire students in the way I was inspired as a child. Pursuing music completely changed the direction of my life, and I hope to share that experience with others. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, we begin with learning how to read music and go over the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. Then, we will go through the Rubank Elementary Methods books while including scales and practice techniques. We will also take time to listen to other instrumentalists and discover what concept of sound is best for you. For advanced students, we will start with fundamental reinforcement through scales, exercises, and sight-reading. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Beginning students need to achieve a solid grasp of the fundamentals in order to ensure future success while enjoying their lessons and having fun! In my studio they will learn to take care of their instruments, play with proper and efficient technique and posture. The majority of repertoir will be provided in a Hal Leonard, Essential Element Book.  Intermediate students will begin to expand their range and fluidity while playing scales and solo repertoir. Read More