Saxophone Lessons in Westmont, IL

theory, jazz/pop theory, music performance, arranging and composition.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe everyone gets into music for a different reason, and therefore each student deserves their own custom curriculum. It is important for students to work at a pace and in a direction that is comfortable for them. For this reason, we will start with a consultation so I can figure out exactly what you aim to get out of taking lessons. From there we will incorporate some standard curriculum and method books that I enjoy using, as well as my own techniques that involve plenty of ear training and exercises to improve one's facility on the instrument (scales, patterns, technique).
Most importantly, we're going to have a lot of fun! If you are not having fun it's not even worth your time. I am very laid back and promote a stress-free environment!
Remember, I was once a beginner, too. I know what it's like to learn something new, so I want to be there to guide you through it!

*** Studio Equipment ***
extra music room f/w keyboard w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide no equipment. Student must provide saxophone, reeds, books, etc.

*** Specialties ***
My passion is jazz. Not just jazz saxophone, but the art form in general. I love to teach people the theory behind improvisation and watch them as they explore and internalize the endless possibilities thereafter.
I am also classically trained and am equally proficient in that area, although I would say I do prefer jazz.
In summary, my specialties would be: jazz saxophone, jazz theory, improvisation, jazz arranging, saxophone performance, composing.

ach. He feels that music is within all of us, and a desire to learn is a sign of talent, so anyone can develop their musical abilities with methodical practice.

The musical journey for Daniel began at an early age with trumpet and piano studies which became a passion for him by the age of 14. He was the drum major of the high school marching band, and successfully completed a paid contract to arrange music for the high school jazz band which performed in a state beauty pageant. He began teaching privately after high school, and continued playing in bands, and composing original music. He formed a professional jazz ensemble under the name of the Chicago Jazz Players by the age of 22, and developed his arranging techniques while having it performed by an eighteen piece orchestra consisting of many great local artists. It was in this environment that he gained experience with brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. He was granted a position at Columbia College as an instructor at age 29 where he taught theory, sight singing, musicianship, ear training, harmony, orchestration, and composition. He scored the music for several plays, and conducted his own pieces with Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Players. During those years he found himself playing the guitar and singing more than anything else. It was in 1995 that he focused on singing and playing the guitar with his rock band. He has produced several CD recordings of his original music in his own studio, and has helped produce local bands and artists. He performs regularly in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***
Daniel exhibits patience and care with each student, and develops an individualized approach based on clear goals with practical procedures. Most beginners can expect to have a working knowledge of music notation and how it applies to their instrument within three months, and should be developing fluency in performing music that they enjoy within six months. Advancing students will enjoy the rewards that will follow by studying with an experienced teaching musician that will recognize strengths and weaknesses, and recommend proven techniques for personal musical development. Studying music should be fun, fulfilling, and in harmony with the needs and desires of the student, and this is key to the philosophy held by Daniel.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Eight track recording gear; grand piano; guitars/bass (acoustic & electric); cables/amps, drum kit and percussion.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide lesson materials, and always have a metronome with me. I expect the student to have an instrument. I prefer that a student has a music stand.

*** Specialties ***
Customized approach to the individual based on needs and goals.

ed Haque. In addition, Dave has studied guitar with some of the best guitar players in the world including Dave Uhrich and Andy Timmons.

In 2003-2009, he produced and played guitar in the Chicago based hard rock group Disonic. In 2007, Disonic singed to Darkstar Records and released the E.P. The Value of Truth. The Value of Truth was distributed in the USA and Japan. In addition, it was distributed digitally world wide on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.
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In 2009 he attended VanderCook College of Music and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education. Currently, Dave is playing bass in the Chicago rock group I Decline and guitar in the Dave K. Group. This year, Dave is releasing his first solo instrumental guitar album under his own name. In addition, he continues to teach rock, jazz and classical guitar and bass in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***
As a private music instructor for the past 15 years, I personally have been granted the opportunity to teach a wide variety of music students. I have taught students ranging in age from 6 to 65. I have taught students from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. I have taught students with various physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. Regardless of the situation, I have always approached each lesson with the idea that every student deserves my best efforts as a teacher. This is because I believe that everyone, regardless of age, cultural heritage, ability, or financial circumstance deserve the opportunity to participate in the best music experiences possible.

I believe that everyone has the ability to learn to play a musical instrument and achieve success on it if they possess the desire to do so. This is because music is a vital part of the human experience. Music has the ability to turn ordinary life experiences into extraordinary ones. Think of everyday events such as: waking up in the morning, commuting to and from work or school, going through the work or school day, going to dinner with a friend or loved one, going to a sporting event,watching a movie or television show, or working out at the gym. Now, picture what these everyday events would be like without the presence of music. Without music, these experiences would be extremely dull and we as human beings would not be able to full appreciate the wonderful moments in our lives.

​As a music educator, my promise is to guide my students through the journey of learning to play music so they can experience the joy that it brings into their lives and the lives of others. I promise to help my students realize their full musical potential. I will always treat each student equally with fairness and respect, provide the best possible atmosphere for their growth, and recognize that each student is unique in how they learn and grow.

Lesson Topics Include
Music reading (Tablature, rhythmic notation, and standard notation)
Technical mastery of the instrument (Proper left and right hand technique, chords, scales, arpeggios, etc...)
Rhythm and counting
Repertoire (chosen by the individual student with the aid of the teacher)
Songwriting/Composition
Improvisation
Music business
Recording techniques​

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender 2012 Jeff Beck Stratocaster
Fender 1992 Standard Stratocaster
1980 Gibson Flying V
1994 Washburn N4
2005 Washburn X50PROF
1996 Washburn HB 35
Fender 1965 Twin Reverb Amp
MacBook Pro loaded with Pro Tools, Finale, Garageband, Live, Guitar Pro 6, Band in a Box

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and materials. Student should also have guitar and materials

*** Specialties ***
I am able to teach all styles of music but specialize in all forms of Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Classical

evel. Example, one of my adult beginners wanted to play the big symphonic poem Scheherazade, and I wrote out the main tunes for easy piano.

ck and say they really enjoyed their lessons with me.

rles, and Nikita Zimin. Finally, he has taken supplementary lessons from Vincent David, Carrie Koffman, Chien-Kwan Lin, Otis Murphy, Zachary Shemon, and Kenneth Tse.

Since 2014, he has maintained a private saxophone studio of his own, helping area students improve their craft. He has been able to quickly pinpoint opportunities for improvement and learning, and effectively communicates those ideas in frameworks suited for the age and ability of each student.

He has performed world premieres and is working on the collaborative development of new creative projects. Aidan has been a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) since 2015 and recently participated in the American Saxophone Academy (ASA).

e and Chorus. My music students have excelled and grown each year tremendously and I am very proud of all of their hard work, our performances, and achievements. Most recently, a group of my middle school students and I were flown out to Anaheim, California by The NAMM Foundation to perform at The NAMM Show 2018! My students had the experience of a lifetime performing before large audiences, sharing the stage with professional recording artists, meeting various celebrities, and experiencing the full "red carpet" treatment complete with free Disneyland Tickets! Not only that, thanks to The NAMM Foundation, my youth Drumline received an extremely generous financial donation and support to build the program to even greater levels!

Now taking my Music instruction to greater levels, I am expanding music lessons to all ages via TakeLessons and can help you towards achieving your musical goals. Whether it's Saxophone Instruction, Beginner Percussion Instruction, training for Drum Major auditions, or simply learning to read music - contact me and let's see how I can help!