Saxophone Lessons in Westmoreland City, PA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music

I believe in teaching time management from the start. I will start with a small weekly practice goal, and as the students progress, that goal will increase. Another part of time management is not over- assigning music to practice. At first, I expect the student to practice 2-3 small songs. As they become more confident and comfortable, I will assign 3-4 songs, and so on. Every week should have goals that are achievable and make the student feel accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For classical studies, there are some standard saxophone repertoire books I like to go to. For brand new students, I use Essential Elements books, for intermediate students I use Rubank method books, and for advanced students I use the Ferling etude book. For jazz studies, I begin students with Lenny Neihaus' Jazz Conception for Saxophone, which lays a great foundation for jazz and swing playing. After this, I do a lot of ear training and memorization exercises for tunes, and talk about chord-scale theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning and intermediate clarinet and saxophone students I like using the Yamaha Advantage books or the Belwin Series. I like to use these lesson books and supplement with solo and duet material. I always encourage my students to bring in material they'd like to work on, from school band music to popular tunes they are intereseted in learning. I think it is important for all aspiring musicians to collaborate with others and make sure to play along with students in our lessons. I ask my students to plan their practice time each week, as I know how busy we all are! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I make sure to teach each student at his or her pace. I love to see students succeed and enjoy their lessons. I also make sure to encourage students to keep going if he or she is having a tough time with a concept or skill. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I find that I am at my happiest when I am instructing people in one of my greatest loves, music. In 2018, I graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of the Arts in Music, my emphasis being the saxophone. I have performed with numerous ensembles and one of the greatest rewards I get from playing is seeing the joy that it brings to others. During my four years at Ohio, I was able to play with the community symphony and it was there that I was able to see what music does for people in bringing them together and creating a strong sense of community, understanding, and joy. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

As a teacher, I'm interested in more than just my students' success on the saxophone. I want to cultivate their understanding of music from all angles - to get them listening to new styles, learning the history, analyzing the pieces they play. I also want to ingrain habits that will help them in all areas of their life - setting achievable goals, developing discipline, respecting others, and loving to learn. Read More