Miami Beach, FL Saxophone Lessons

I am extremely passionate about music and I strive to share this experience with my students. I am a graduate with a Masters in Music from the UMiami Frost School of Music and I am an accomplished and award winning performer and composer. Private lessons are catered to the individual needs and goals of each student. This way, students are self motivated and excited to grow and improve as musicians and artists.

I started playing saxophone in the 1970's. But satisfaction with the instrument was delayed till the 90's when I started playing it in live band settings. In 2009, I started playing sax in studio recordings. Along the way, I started to give away my skills on sax to those who were interested. Fascinated by the process of teaching, I offer my sax expertise to beginning students, and to intermediate students who desire to be move beyond a school band instrument sound. A sax can do so much more!!

My goal in teaching is to make my students better musicians in every aspect. I like to discuss the music with students, get them to think about the music in new and interesting ways, teach how to practice and philosophies for approaching musical styles. I like to teach theory and play piano with the students so that they understand what is going on in the music. Students can expect all of this and more while having fun and being able to express themselves through the music they want to play.

I teach based on what you want to learn on the saxophone. We can work on any style including but not limited to Classical, Jazz, Afro-Cuban/Latin Jazz and/or any other styles of interest. Regardless of what style or genre we study we will always study core techniques of the saxophone which will increase your skill such as tone production/warm-up principles, technique including finger dexterity, scales, music vocabulary, tongue/finger correlation and full range capabilities of the instrument.

Ready to put together some effective practice skills and learn how to get around the horn? Maybe you're getting ready for that All-State audition or to take that first chair spot or learn to play some fun tunes. I'm willing to help if you're able to practice. Texts vary depending on level, genre, and what you're interested in achieving. Topics to be covered include but aren't limited to: How to practice to make the most of our lessons and your time, good fundamentals and technique, sight reading,theory, improvisation, suggested listening and repertoire, audition prep...

With over a decade of teaching experience working at institutions such as Florida Atlantic University, Roberts Wesleyan College, Eastman School of Music, and Florida State University. A frequent performer, Dr. E tours with his saxophone quartet, presents concerts with his harpist, Kristina Finch, and has been heard locally with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony Orchestra, and more!

All saxophone lessons will focus on fundamental topics such as finger technique, air support, embouchure, sound concept and production, finding effective reeds, rhythm, and successfully reading and interpreting music. I seek to develop students’ musicianship by addressing areas for improvement while cultivating their specific musical interests and skills. Outside of fundamental method books, each student will be given etudes/repertoire to complement their musical insights. This includes music from their respective school ensembles, French and American classical saxophone repertoire, famous concert band and orchestral excerpts, study of jazz styles and language, jazz improvisation, and popular music styles like funk or rock. More advanced students can also begin the study of basic music theory including key centers, chords, harmony, and building aural skills through ear training.

I've been teaching saxophone lessons for 7 years professionally, specifically beginning students through high school, though all ages are welcome! Lessons will be catered to the specific needs and goals of each student. My musical background is very diverse, including music performances in genres such as classical, jazz, pop, funk, r&b, and more!