Saxophone with David F.

I started playing saxophone at age 7. I heard the Beatles, and I flipped; soon I learned every song from a Lennon/McCartney songbook. When I was 14, I discovered the joy of jazz improvisation, and once I heard John Coltrane, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to music! I attended Oberlin College, where I studied Jazz and Classical saxophone. In between semesters, I was fortunate to study in New York with Bobby Watson, and in Philadelphia with the legendary Odean Pope, with whom I took a class as well as studied privately. After graduating college, I started to teach and play music professionally. Currently, I play with the West Philadelphia Orchestra, the city's hardest working Balkan Brass band. I also have many original music projects of my own which explore the possibilities of amplified saxophone. *** Lesson Details *** I tailor my lessons to the needs and interests of every student. I try to find out what music excites each student, and in return, I like to share the music which inspires me. Every student is different, but in general, I like to emphasize a three-pronged approach: 1) sound; 2) technique; 3) fun. Number one, sound, is the most important thing. It is your voice, your tone on the instrument, and it is a completely individual thing. I will show you the way to develop a personal saxophone tone. With two, technique, I will show you the way to navigate with instrument with ease and comfort. Three, fun, will depend on the interest of the student. This can be any number of things, including learning jazz improvisation, the music of Bach, or perhaps the music of the Beatles (which inspired me to play as a child). *** Travel Equipment *** I provide nothing, and students should have their own instrument. *** Specialties *** I specialize in jazz, classical, rock, R & B and Slavic saxophone styles.