Graduate Certificate, University of S. California, Arts Leadership M.M., University of Miami, Jazz Performance B.M., Eastman School of Music, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Overview:
I have always been naturally drawn to listening and playing music. Music brings me joy and as a teacher my goal is to inspire students to experience the same joy I get from making music. I studied jazz and classical music at Eastman School of Music and focused on jazz during my master's degree at the University of Miami. From being a student of many great jazz educators I have learned several effective teaching methods. I have been fortunate to have played and studied with many great musicians that continue to inspire me.
EXPERIENCE
As an instructor at an after-school music academy, I coached jazz ensembles ranging in size from big band to combo and taught private saxophone lessons. From teaching students of most age levels, I have learned several approaches to teaching jazz music and improvisation. Connecting with each student in a way they understand and find enjoyable almost always leads to quicker and more satisfying results for the student. I am currently a teaching artist for the Herbie Hancock Institute through UCLA.
METHODS USED
With private students, I customize my teaching methods to how each student best learns. I have several methods to teach most music concepts and saxophone technique so that I can better connect with each student’s learning style. I find students have a more enjoyable experience when I give them the chance to learn what they would like to play. For jazz students, I first have them identify a musician they enjoy listening to and begin exploring what makes that player unique. We work on sound production, articulation, stylistic considerations, rhythmic feel, and jazz vocabulary. Learning how to sound like the student’s role model helps to give them a context and approachable goals. We use jazz repertoire to build and enhance harmonic recognition and improvisational abilities.
LESSON STYLE
I like my students to tell me what they would like to get from taking lessons. I then integrate what they want to learn with what I think they should learn. While learning a song or piece of music, I teach the student pertinent music concepts and saxophone technique. I find giving students scales and exercises to learn without context is often discouraging for them because they are not sure why and how they apply in other music situations. Providing an educational context allows each student to build upon music concepts while having fun working towards their musical goals.
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Barb Smay
5
Jeff is an excellent sax teacher. He is extremely positive. My son looks forward to him coming each week. He won't disappoint. I have no reservations in recommending him.
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