Eric J
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B
Eric J
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
B.M. Jazz Studies, Indiana University 2007
Currently working on M.M. at University of Northern Colorado
Born in Shizuoka, Japan and raised mostly in the United States since the age of 2, I have resided in Upstate New York, Arizona, Indiana, Colorado and mainly Oregon for 16 years. I first started clarinet at age 9 and saxophone at Age 13. With the saxophone I fell in love with jazz and some of my greatest influences are Grover Washinton Jr., Wayne Shorter, Bob Mintzer, Charlie Parker and Spyro Gyra. I went to Indiana University Bloomington where I got my Bachelor's degree in music, and started playing flute there at age 20. I moved to Greeley, Colorado in 2011 to pursue my Master's degree in music at University of Northern Colorado. I also speak functional Japanese and my mother is from Japan.
-Teaching privately since 2005
-Woodwind clinician in public schools since 2010
-Played with Orchestras on Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises 2007-2012
-Performed with various genres of bands like Kream of the Krop orchestra, Steve Cannon Big Band, Dave Matthews cover band and Jacob Merlin band
-Musical Theater shows Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes at Candlelight Dinner Theater
-My own combo and duo gigs at various locations
Universal Method for Saxophone by Carl Fischer
Standard of Excellence by Bruce Pearson (for beginners, intermediate)
Jamey Aebersold Jazz Improvisation Play-Alongs
Real Books and Fake Books
Charlie Parker Omnibook
Jazz Conception by Lennie Niehaus
Daily Studies for all Saxophones by Trent Kynaston
Daily Studies for the Improvement of Saxophone Technique by Larry Teal
Depending on ability level, I will provide a comprehensive perspective of each lesson; I usually start the lesson with technical excercises such as scales, arpeggios, long tones or overtones. I will make sure each student learns all of the scales in all modes one at a time.
Next, I will focus a majority of the lesson on reading excercises or etudes, or even songs or pieces. For younger players I make sure they are able to recognize the notes and read effectively. For more advanced players I will provide stylistic ideas and some technical tips.
At the end of the lesson I will help determine reasonable assignments for the student to practice for the next lesson. I will usually assign one or two scales, several short etudes and/or a long song or duet. I prefer to be welcoming and relaxed toward my students, but I do expect them to give it their best effort.
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