Saxophone Lessons in Whittier Heights, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have been a martial arts instructor and basketball/baseball coach for many years.Working with younger people has given me the skills to be an understanding and compassionate music instructor.i approach every student as an individual with different goals and needs.My teaching system is to approach every new student as an unique individual.I am very comfortable with teaching the foundations of music as well teaching how to improvise and solo, especially in the jazz context.I have had my own teaching practice for over 20 years with ages 6-80 years old. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the chosen instrument, but also about its history and its role across musical styles. Music is fun, and while hard work and practice are important and essential, so is enjoyment of music and enjoyment of one's instrument. I also strive to include music related field trips such as to opera dress rehearsals, to music related sites such as the EMP or to other local performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I knew from the day I heard my middle school band teacher playing his saxophone that that was what I wanted to do. The passion has only continued to grow for me, and I want to pass my knowledge and passion onto my students. I graduated from Western Washington University in 2016 with a BA in music and a minor in audio recording. Upon graduating, I quickly immersed myself in the music scene of Bellingham by joining two local bands, both of which recorded albums that I am featured on and contributed some of my song writing abilities to. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The first few students I ever had were actually swimmers! My first teaching experience came as a swim instructor for people of all ages at a local club. Because of my work there I was able to convert a small number of those kids into saxophone students as well and the teaching itch began! For the most part these students were family friends, and very much beginners so my strategies revolved around basic practice routines, some tone development work and helping with parts for school band or the like. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For beginners, whilst working with a Standard of Excellence book, it's important to take the time to work on things on a smaller level throughout. Although working through the books and going onto the next level is the goal, I find it imperative ensure that the techniques are being fully utilized along the way. For example, we don't want to just read the notes and play along, we want to make sure that articulations, tone, breathing techniques and fingering is also being focused on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More