Empire, CA Saxophone Lessons

Saxophone is my main instrument and favorite to teach!

Each lesson includes studies of fundamental techniques, ear training, and music history in order to facilitate the development of a whole musician.

I'm a full-time musician in the music industry for 13 years now performing with such artists as J.C. Chasez (N'Sync), Tony-award winner Alice Ripley along with several theater companies. I've also coached multiple band programs for 4 years now. Success comes from having a thorough understanding of each instrument I play. This allows for multiple approaches to learning each instrument, rapid development of the student and involving fun teaching techniques. You'll learn fast and enjoy doing it!

The saxophone music instruction will consist of every area covered in college and professional auditions: Song Performance, Music Theory, Sightreading, and Scales. My 20+ years experience as a military musician and music director will help you in any areas of weakness, in all styles of music and performance scenarios, and give you guidance to showcase your current strengths to become a confident and well-rounded musician.

I teach saxophone primarily through the tried and true Rubank method. Students will learn how to properly care for the instrument, how to read music, music theory, instrument technique, practice techniques, ear training (how to play by ear), reed selection, and both classical and jazz repertoire. I also employ custom exercises specifically for saxophone to help my students progress the fastest.

I have been teaching saxophone for about seven years and playing for about fourteen years. In the summer of 2016 I graduated from the U.S. Army School of Music as a tenor saxophone player. In college my major instrument was the baritone saxophone.

When teaching lessons I like to start out by finding out where my student is currently playing at. I will then create a custom plan to suit the student's needs and interests to ensure lessons are engaging. My lessons are student focused.

Classical, Jazz, R&B, Solo and Ensemble and College Auditions

Learning an instrument, like learning a language, should be an interactive experience with a continuous flow of feedback. It should also be fun, with the opportunity to use each new skill in real life and on a daily basis.

Over the past 12 years, I have had the opportunity to study the saxophone (as well piano, composition, arranging, film scoring, and songwriting) with some of the most creative and talented teachers from Los Angeles, New York, and Portland, OR. Through my years of studying and teaching beginning and intermediate saxophonists, I believe it is the teacher's job to "teach the student how to teach themselves" by giving them the tools and critical feedback needed to excel not only in learning a new instrument, but in all aspects of music and life.

I am an experienced music teacher of 15 years, specializing in beginner, intermediate, and advanced saxophone players. My other specialty is working with intermediate and advanced jazz improv students of all instruments. All ages are welcome. I will customize the lessons and program to the needs and goals of each student. Whether you are an award winning jazz soloist or someone just starting out on the sax, I can take you to the next step and we can have a great time doing it! Let's get started!

NYS Certified Music Teacher. Public school teacher (Elementary)on Long Island since 2002. Excited to work with new students and students desiring to learn more and do more with their instrument!