Saxophone Lessons in Elgin, IL

Saxophone is my life! I have played saxophone for 20 years and nothing makes me happier than sharing my knowledge with others. I have a BM Jazz Studies/Saxophone Performance from Western Michigan University.
While my passion is jazz, I also have plenty of classical experience. I love teaching saxophone!!

We will go through a method book to go through the fundamentals of playing sax and will supplement it with ear training and music theory. We will learn any song that you want to! From a TV show, video game, movie, or anything else as it is very important to have fun with what you are playing. We will play duets and have a great time while becoming a better musician!

Private one-on-one saxophone instruction has been my primary vocation for nearly 30 years. I've also worked as a professional performing musician for over 35 years. Each lesson is tailored to the tastes and needs of the student, with traditional method books rarely used once the basics are under control. Instruction is based on a strong working knowledge of scales. The informed use of these scales leads to a heightened understanding of improvisation, ear training, and other practical aspects of music theory. Students are encouraged to choose from a variety of jazz standards and transcriptions, classical themes, and pop tunes that I’ve transcribed and engraved. Rudimentary instruction is also available for saxophonists wishing to learn flute and/or clarinet.

When taking lessons with me, you will be learning from a musician that has performed and recorded with Grammy-level instrumentalists such as Alex Sipiagin, Ulysses Owens Jr., Christian Sands, Yotam Silberstein, Gil Goldstein, Ben Williams, Reuben Rogers, and Michael Dease. Having studied and performed in multiple genres including classical, jazz, R&B, musical theater, gospel, and others, I will be able to show you how to master your instrument in any context. If you are an advanced musician looking to find a unique voice in this field, look no further. Having recorded my own compositions commercially with some of the most well-regarded artists in New York, you will be studying with someone who knows what it takes to develop their own personal style successfully. I teach everything from fundamentals, to theory, to composition, to doubling, to improvisation and more. I would love to get to know you and share with you what my teachers so graciously shared with me!

My life as a saxophone player began with humble beginnings. Through dedication and hard work I've become experienced musician in Jazz, Broadway, and music production. I've played shows with critically acclaimed productions of Aladdin, Chicago, and Hello Dolly, and have worked with actors like Hugh Jackman. Pretty much anything you want to learn, I can help you! Want to compose? Want to improvise? Working on flute or clarinet? I've got you, and I'd love to help!

Greetings Everyone,

I have been playing the clarinet and saxophone for twenty three years and teaching private lessons for seventeen years. My education includes two undergraduate degrees in performance from Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA and Boston Conservatory in Boston, MA. My Master's Degree is from Boston University in Music Education. Teaching private lessons is my passion and nothing makes me happier than to see my students succeed in their future endeavors.