Name: Your First Saxophone Lesson!
Uploaded: 2022-06-02T15:31:08.000Z
Duration: 13 min 43 s
Description: Your first saxophone lesson! How to put your instrument together. learn the parts of the instruments and materials to learn to play your instrument. Learn your first 7 notes with fingerings!

Your first saxophone lesson! How to put your instrument together. learn the parts of the instruments and materials to learn to play your instrument. Learn your first 7 notes with fingerings!

Saxophone

DEGREES/Certifications: MA, GC, MM, BS, BA, SET, PFT, GFT
AFFILIATIONS:
Writing: ACES, WPA-GO
Music:  AAUP, AFM, ASOL/LAO, CMS, HFC, NFA, IDRS, ICS, NASA.
Fitness: ISSA, NDETA, ASHI, USAT, LCT, BAM, HRTC.
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MUSIC (see fitness below): Shannon has numerous years of experience teaching all skill levels on woodwinds, and beginning-intermediate piano & classical strings, using various approaches to best suit the student's learning style, personality, and needs.

Shannon is an active musician who has been featured as a soloist and in the flute and woodwind sections with various orchestras, chamber ensembles, opera orchestras, and musical theatre within the United States, Italy, and Mexico.  She is presently the founder, CEO, and Principal Flute of the Texas Chamber Symphony, Director of the Da Capo Chamber Ensembles, and is a substitute musician with the Orquesta Sinfnica de Monterrey, Symphony of Southeast Texas, and Opera in the Heights. 

Shannon has been a faculty member at various colleges and is currently an Applied Instructor of Music at Jessup University and a retired Adjunct Professor of Music at Brazosport College; and also has an active private studio, Leigh Studios.  She has served the College Music Society South-Central as Regional President, vice-president, and newsletter editor; and is an Advisory Board member for the Houston Flute Club after retiring as president and other positions. And she was also the newsletter editor for the Upper Mid-west flute associate and a board member of other organizations.
 
Shannon received her Master of Music degree in Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and received her B.A. degree in Performance and B.S. degree in Music-Business from Winona State University, and has studied with world-renowned instructors.

Shannon has received grants for her work from the Minnesota State Arts Board,  American Federation of Musicians,  Rome Festival Orchestra, and the Winona Music Guild,  and was the 1997 recipient of the Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easygoing. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease, but we do need to focus and can have fun doing it. :)
I utilize various methods for each instrument, which is determined by the student's learning style, ability, and needs, so this can change as time goes on (not sticking to one particular publisher's materials). I have done (and continue to do) extensive research into materials available for each instrument I teach and supplement with my own to utilize the best out there for "YOU" for the best possible progress. While ensuring an extremely well-rounded musical education, so you can progress at the best possible rate. Since each student's potential is different, each will progress differently. This is also determined by your dedication to daily practice (the more you practice, the quicker you will progress & the more accomplished you will become). This is a 'Team Effort'; I give the guidance and tools. You practice, utilize, and learn these tools, and off we go! The sky is the limit!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz, folk, improvisation
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WRITING: Editor, copy & content editor, writer. Many years of writing experience for publishers, organizations, associations, newsletters, event advertisements and programs, and more. 
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FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Specialist in Exercise Therapy, and running / multisport (swim/bike/run) coach for 15 years.

She is a sponsored athlete and a 2023 Team USA World Championship Qualifier in Spain. A 2018 Team USA World Championship Qualifier and Participant in Denmark, and has also placed in her age group at numerous endurance events. 

She applies her years of teaching experience to helping you reach your physical and nutritional goals to be the best and healthiest you can be. She's not for quick fixes/results. It's all about a transformational lifestyle change. Enjoy the journey! It's well worth it!  (see info above).

Shannon is also a sponsored triathlete and trainer/coach/race director and gives workshops on the importance of healthy living, nutrition, and exercise for musicians. She is a board member for The Lake Charles Triathletes. And she is a strong advocate for music, health, and triathlon.

Your First Saxophone Lesson!

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Bassoon

Triathlon

Viola

Clarinet

Violin

Music Performance

Running

Stretching

Writing

Cello

Cycling

Yoga

Flute

Piano

Music Theory

Fitness

Sports Nutrition

Oboe

Strength and Conditioning

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

A labor union representing professional musicians in the United States and Canada. Founding in 1896 as the successor to the "National League of Musicians," the AFM is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of professional musicians. 

The College Music Society promotes music teaching and learning, musical creativity and expression, research and dialogue, and diversity and interdisciplinary interaction. A consortium of college, conservatory, university, and independent musicians and scholars interested in all disciplines of music, the Society provides leadership and serves as an agent of change by addressing concerns facing music in higher education.

The National Flute Association, founded in 1972, is the largest flute organization in the world. Approximately 5,000 members from more than 50 countries join together in person, online, at conventions, informally and in forums, through publications and classrooms, in performance, in friendship and collegiality. Guided by its goals to encourage a higher standard of artistic excellence for the flute, its performers, and its literature, members include leading soloists, orchestral players, jazz and world music performers, teachers, adult amateurs, and students of all ages.

The North American Saxophone Alliance is an organization made up of individuals who share a common interest in the saxophone. Members include professional performers, university professors, public school teachers, students of all levels, and others who have an interest in the saxophone. In addition to the Alliance's emphasis on disseminating information concerning the saxophone, the organization also works to provide opportunities for its members to make music, fostering fellowship among saxophone enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.

Houston Racing Triathlon Club “HRTC” is Houston’s oldest and largest Triathlon Club. HRTC serves to educate the beginner triathlete while providing a substantial social and training network for experienced triathletes. We hold monthly meetings, offer an annual sprint distance triathlon and support members at various local triathlons by providing a Club Tent for pre and post race relaxation and refreshments.

The purpose and goal of the Houston Flute Club is to cultivate, promote, sponsor, and develop among its members and the general public the appreciation of the flute and flute music through performance, education, and exposure to all varieties of flute-related activities, while providing an encouraging environment for flutists of every level.

Lake Charles Triathletes are dedicated to helping beginner traithletes in southwest Louisiana. Our T-gator race series has helped many first time racers learn and perfect the sport of triathlon.

The International Double Reed Society (IDRS) was established in December of 1971 and is a world-wide organization of double reed (oboe and bassoon family) players, instrument manufacturers and enthusiasts. The society has over 4,400 members from 56 countries. Within the United States, 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are represented.

The International Clarinet Association is a community of clarinetists and clarinet enthusiasts that supports projects that will benefit clarinet performance; provides opportunities for the exchange of ideas, materials, and information among its members; fosters the composition, publication, recording, and distribution of music for the clarinet; encourages the research and manufacture of a more definitive clarinet; avoids commercialism in any form while encouraging communication and cooperation among clarinetists and the music industry; and encourages and promotes the performance and teaching of a wide variety of repertoire for the clarinet.

Based in Tokyo, Japan, SWET comprises people engaged not only in the three professions of writing, editing, and translating, but also in teaching, research, rewriting, design and production, copywriting, and other areas related to the written word in Japan.

Upcoming Events

WSU music foundation scholarships

Fran and Cliff Whipple Scholarship

City of Pearland Certificate of Recognition

Redman Half Ironman Distance 70.3 Triathlon

2018 ITU Aquathlon World Championships - Odense, Denmark

USAT Aquathlon National Championships

Playtri Festival International Distance Triathlon

Keep On Truckin Ultra Marathon (50k)

Redman Ironman distance Triathlon Race (140.6 miles)

Edwin Mellen Book/Recital Contract

Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award winner

American Federation of Musicians

Aerobic Training

Emergency Oxygen

certified with multiple institutions since 1980. Red Cross, Army, ASHI.
1980, 1994, 1996, 2010, 2014

First Aid / triage

Personal Trainer

The Exercise Therapy Certification specializes in clients discharged from prescriptive medical care with the need to undergo a supervised fitness therapy program, specifically designed around their condition.

Exercise Therapy

CPR. Certified with multiple institutions since 1980
Red Cross, Army, ASHI, ISSA.
1980, 1994, 1996, 2010, 2014

CPR Pro / 1st Responder

Owner / professor / musician / fitness-athletic-nutritional trainer/coach.

teach studio woodwind lessons, fundamentals of music, class piano, music appreciation, introduction to music literature, woodwind ensemble, chamber music workshop, traditional and online course formats. created online courses / format.  Adjunct Faculty Committee Member.
College Music Society Campus Representative.
My position was deleted due to financial cutbacks.

Adjunct Professor of Music

teach studio woodwind lessons, fundamentals of music, music appreciation, introduction to music literature, woodwind ensemble.
College Music Society Campus Representative.

Adjunct Instructor of Music

teach studio woodwind lessons.
College Music Society Campus Representative.

Flute / Oboe studio instructor

Flute / Piccolo / Alto Flute / Oboe / English Horn / Saxophone

Principal Flute

Flute / piccolo / oboe

Personal Fitness Trainer

Principal Flute / piccolo

I am presently on faculty teaching applied woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon), through a distance learning platform. I am very excited about this position because the world of higher education has been slow to embrace online lessons, even though they have been embracing online academic courses for some time now.  Jessup is carving the way to better things, and I am very excited to be a part of an institution moving univ. applied music forward!

Applied Woodwind Instructor - Distance Learning (Off Campus Instructor)

A new Orchestra in the midst! As our community has grown an orchestra was much needed, so we answered the call. 
Our concert debut is December 21st, 2019, and we are excited!  
Our mission: Quality, Character, Community.

Founder/President/CEO, Flutist / Oboist

Perform for events and ceremonies over a tri-state area for all service branches with administrative duties.

Musician: Piccolo, Oboe, Alto Saxophone

Review, edit, and determine content for the Moon City Journal, in the category of Creative Nonfiction.

Assistant Editor

English

all levels through college/adult.

Affiliations:
American Association of University Professors
American Federation of Musicians 
American Symphony Orchestra League 
College Music Society 
Houston Flute Club 
International Double-Reed Society 
International Clarinet Society 
National Flute Association 
North American Saxophone Alliance

I just had my first lesson today. I'm really looking forward to working with Shannon. She's very experienced and passionate about music. This is going to be fun!

Very knowledgeable teacher, excited to learn all I can from Shannon!!

My son loves his lessons and is learning so much

Shannon is a great lesson teacher! She has been great at teaching fundamentals and the materials that she has recommended are making all the difference. She is also great with scheduling lessons and was willing to work with my schedule! 

Shannon created a relaxed environment that’s very conducive to learning

I have been taking lessons with Shannon since the pandemic. I can't imagine working with anyone else. She is amazing. So patient, motivating and encouraging. She has multiple degrees and really knows her stuff! Top notch instructor.  Thanks Shannon for staying top quality in a world that strives for mediocrity, especially after the pandemic. You rock!

My child and I are taking lessons with Shannon. She was extremely patient. She knew how much to nudge us forward at precisely the right pace. How does she do that? We are enjoying our lessons and she is having a student recital this weekend in which both of us are playing! We are so excited! We have been taking lessons with Shannon for 4 years now.

Shannon is great! I've been taking lessons for 2 years and have learned so much! She makes sure I fully understand what I'm learning before moving on. She's patient and encouraging.

Shannon is amazing!
We had lessons for piano and saxophone for my 2 kids for a few years. 
Shannon was always on time, prepared for the lesson and kids not only enjoyed learning music, but also enjoyed communicating with her, sharing their life etc. 
She is inspiring and persistent at the same time :), I highly recommend her.

My son is enjoying his time learning with Shannon. She really makes sure he’s understanding and she is doing a great job helping him progress. She’s a great teacher and he loves coming to class!

Shannon is very patient and a great teacher.

This video focuses on stretches to loosen, strengthen, and restablize the soft tissue surrounding the knee to improve mobility through proper alignment. With the result being removing stress to tendons and ligaments, therefore preventing improper wear on the near, teaching the body to use the stablizing muscles which should be doing the work. Please work through the Exercise Therapy-1A video prior to attempting this video. 

Exercise Therapy 2-knee stretches to correct imbalances

Over time our bodies will compensate for any muscle/tissue imbalances that are created. This happens slowly so we do not notice until we start having problems and/or injuries. This affects everyone regardless of their activity level from those with little physical activity to ultra-endurance-distance athletes. Follow this video being sure to focus on proper form of each exercise to ensure success and not create more problems. Have fun! and go at your own pace.

Exercise Therapy-1A-Restrengthening to Correct Body Imbalances through Core Stability

Learn intermediate flute material and techniques. Long tones, scales, method material, ornamentation, and Baroque period solo literature, and more.

Intermediate Flute with Shannon!

Learn to play the oboe and basic care of your instrument. Learn your first four notes and the song "Hot Cross Buns" with your first three notes learned. Soaking your reeds and putting your oboe together.

Learning The Oboe! Your First Lesson

Learning to properly care for your saxophone.

Proper Care of Your Saxophone

In this video learn complete and proper daily care for your flute, to keep it out of the shop. You will also learn when your flute should go to the shop for routine maintenance, what should be done, as well as when it is due for an overhaul (makes it brand new again!). Your flute will last FOREVER if it is cared for properly by your and your flute repair person.

Loving Care for your Flute!

In this 21 minute Volume 1 video you ( upper body & core) will learn to regain lean muscle, balance, and full body fitness! These exercises are for everyone, although most definitely very important for endurance athletes. Do these exercises 3 times a week for a strong lean body. You will notice results quickly. Stay tuned for my volume 2 video including Lower Body & core exercises.

Upper Body & Core Functional Training for All! 

Learn Shannon's flute warm up tricks! This 20 minute flute warm up will help you with better breathing, breath capacity, ton quality, intonation, and much more. be sure to play along with me!

Flute Warm Up with Shannon!

This video will begin with a meditation to focus your mind for a productive yoga practice. We will break each step or pose of a sun salutation to understand proper form to receive the full benefit of the practice. Then we will do 5 sun salutations and move to triangle pose and warrior I and II poses to finish our practice. Each pose can be simplified to your ability and comfort. Namaste. Have a beautiful day!

Meditation & Yoga ( with Sun Salutations) with Shannon

In this 32-minute video, learn the meaning and love story behind the composition Syrinx by Debussy. Get ready to learn the phrasing and all the nitty-gritty about this piece, plus how to apply emotion to this piece!

Playing "Syrinx" on Flute with Shannon!

In this 21 minute video you will learn what Music Theory is all about! From Musical Elements to chords, key and time signatures.