Saxophone with Rulon B.

Music is a joyful act of sharing, so I try to teach and perform with this philosophy in mind. I have 18 years teaching experience and have toured the U.S. extensively as a performer, composer and teacher (working with people of all ages and skill). Recently, the U.S. State Department contracted me to represent the U.S. in a tour of Nicaragua teaching and playing for the International Jazz Festival with my band. My musical passions include Latin music, gospel, and modern Music. I toured for three years with a Celtic trio, have played lead alto/tenor books in numerous show and big bands, and have rocked it with Soul, Ska, Punk, Funk, and Latin Bands of every shape. In addition to my own music, I composer, perform, and record music for film, TV, video games and other creative environments. I also produce sound effects and enjoy teaching digital music creation. Some of my past artistic collaborations include working closely with Brazilian master pianist and composer Jovino Santos Neto (who produced my first album), serving as special guest soloist with the acclaimed Total Experience Gospel Choir and Pastor Pat Wright, soloist for a pops concert with the Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra, and creating a digital music/art puzzle for Seattle Artthrob. *** Lesson Details *** At your first lesson, we work together to build a custom lesson plan for what you want to study and the goals you want to achieve. Next, we pick a fun area to work on, and a challenging area to conquer. For example: we will work on a fun song/style, then we will work on building a new technique or skill. I am laid-back in my approach and enjoy helping people feel empowered by music, not intimidated or fearful of it. I've had great success helping students with anxiety about music to release their counterproductive fears and expectations. I use a combination of method books (Rubank, Yamaha, Berkley Press, etc) and music ranging from classic to the contemporary. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano, Mp3/CD player, iPad with internet access, music stand, and chairs. Students learning digital music should bring their own laptop or be prepared to take written notes as I teach from my laptop. *** Specialties *** I have been told I have a talent for helping people move beyond their fear and limitations. I recently helped a worried young flutist learn sax and improv so she could earn a seat in her junior high jazz band; an injured student learning to play pain free; and a student crippled by stage fright learn to embrace the power of childlike play. My favorite teachers played along side me. So I tailor duet playing with every student and teach technique, healthy use of breath and body, improvising, sight reading, theory, and creative play. I accompany students on piano for live improvisation instruction. My specialties are music of Brazil and Latin America, Jazz (classic and contemporary), Celtic music, and African rhythms. I have written, performed and produced music for film, TV, and video games so I also teach digital music making, songwriting, composition/arranging, etc.