Saxophone with Charles F.

Hello! My name is CJ and I am currently a graduate student at California State University, Sacramento. I have my BM in saxophone performance. I have played for 12 years in a number of different settings including jazz bands, concert bands, symphony orchestras, small ensembles, and I have done solo work. I attended Placer High School, playing in the jazz, concert, and marching bands for four years. I also attended Sierra College, where I played in similar ensembles as well as a number of pit orchestras for various musicals. I also won a number of awards including the MACRO scholarship (2011), the Auburn Symphony Young Artist competition (2011), and the outstanding music student award at Sierra College (2011). At Sacramento State I have been focused on classical saxophone and I have been involved with the Sacramento State orchestra, the Auburn Symphony, the CSUS saxophone quartet, and their Symphonic Wind Ensemble. I specialize in alto and soprano and I do have some experience on both tenor and bari as well and I would love to accommodate those students, too! I am involved with a number of community groups outside of school, including Auburn Concert Band and the Sierra Nevada Winds. Seasonally, I also play with a number of other groups and at a number of other events. I enjoy making music but more importantly I enjoy making other people enjoy the music I make, and my goal is to help my students do the same: enjoy what they do, and help them to create something that other people can enjoy with them. I have studied with clarinetist Elizabeth McAllister, M.M., graduate of Louisiana State University and instructor at McLaughlin studios in Loomis, CA, and saxophonist Keith Bohm, D.M.A., instructor from CSU Sacramento and director of the Festival of New American Music. *** Lesson Details *** I am a classical saxophonist. That is not to say that I will not nor cannot work with other styles, but I will definitely work from a more classical approach. In my opinion, this is to the benefit of my students, as really in the end all music derives from the same scales, the same techniques, and the same basic disciplines. I will just be a bit more strict in certain areas that will, with effort, work to improve my students in every aspect of their playing. I have taught both individually and groups sessions, from ages as young as 6 up to 65, from beginner to early college, so I feel that I have a lot to offer! I want my students to succeed, and, more importantly, I want my students to do what they want to do. I understand not everyone is seeking to become a music major and I know that everyone is at a different level. I will help my students achieve what they want to achieve (and push them when I feel they can and need to be pushed)! Students must provide their own instrument (I can assist with rental/buying options), music (including both repertoire and technique books, to be decided upon in lessons), reeds (to be discussed), a neck strap, a pencil, and a folder for music, to stay organized. *** Studio Equipment *** In my studio space I have music stands, seating for parents (as they are more than welcome to sit in if needed/desired), audio equipment as needed for instructional purposes, a clean and inviting space, and a good atmosphere for making music! *** Travel Equipment *** I will bring my own instrument(s), music stands, and other materials as needed based on the student for each lesson. Please note that having your own music stand isn't required but is highly recommended as students should be practicing regularly! *** Specialties *** I have been fairly involved with jazz styles in the past, but I am now mostly focused on and involved with classical saxophone and practices!