Saxophone Lessons in Macomb, MI

et any books that we play through (but I'll give you time to get them, so don't worry.) Any books that we use will be easy to find and won't cost a whole lot of money.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will always bring my instrument with me when I attend a lesson, so I expect my students to do the same when they come to my studio. Also, make sure you have any books and music that we will be playing out of. I always have a copy of anything that we are playing, so I expect the student to have a copy as well.

*** Specialties ***
Trumpet
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Piano

cts not directly related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

I have toured internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist. I am also a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs on that CD. So, if you are a Songwriter, we can polish up your approach! As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

Jazz.

use a variety of curriculum, which includes classical, broadway, some pop, new age, and jazz. After 3 to 6 months you will have a basic understanding of your instrument and will be ready to take off! I do ask students to keep track of your practicing so you can see your progress.

For piano:
I use the Alfred Basic Books for beginners and then we move to the Keith Snell books along with other supplemental books. If a student already is using a book, generally we will finish that book up so they won't have to purchase another set of books.

For Saxophone and Clarinet:
I use the Rubank books along with other supplemental books

For Voice:
I use the 24 Italian Songs and Arias, The Young Singer, and various Broadway books. Any pop music must be purchased by student as there is just way too much to chose from for me to have a lot of it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: in living room with 2 pianos at entrance of house. Seating is available as well toys and a table for siblings.

*** Specialties ***
Voice - Classical & Broadway
Piano - classical
Clarinet - classical and pop
Saxophone - classical, pop, and some jazz

sconsin School Music Assoc.) for many years which taught me a lot about performing for judges, being relaxed, and the importance of preparation.

I started playing the guitar and bass guitar when I was 13 and have never stopped practicing and performing since. I also have done a lot of writing, recording, producing, and have a Pro Tools Studio for students to use.

***College and Teaching***

I began teaching music lessons in college and enjoyed it very much. I received my B.A. in Music from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. There I was very much involved with guitar, piano, voice, trumpet, and being in bands and writing music. After receiving my B.A. I also took 3 years of Education classes at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. I write, produce, and perform my music along with performing with bands around the Midwest.

***Life in Music***

After receiving my B.A. in Music, I continued teaching and opened up my home studio. After a year and a half I had enough students that I was able to quit my factory job and teach music full time. I've been teaching, performing, and writing music ever since.

***Performing and more***

I have been on stage performing music since I was 11. In school band, marching band, competing in music competitions, and in bands touring the Midwest.

I have recorded many CDs with bands and on my own. My most ambitious project was a CD of my original music called, "Girls". I've performed my music and promoted it by being interviewed on Milwaukee radio stations along with internet music sites such as CD Baby. It is very exciting talking on live radio about my music and my passion. It is also even more exciting, and scary, playing my music live on the radio, lol.

***Instruments Taught***

I have been teaching for over 2 decades. Students take lessons for:
* guitar (electric / acoustic)
* piano
* violin
* voice
* drums
* trumpet
* saxophone
* harmonica
* music theory / ear training
* studio recording / songwriting

I also give kindermusik lessons to 2-5 year old all the way up to senior citizens 70-93. I play parties, concerts, and Nursing Home performances.

I am experienced as an online (Skype) instructor, and I have taught online lessons worldwide. I've witnessed great results from my online students (both national and international).

I hope I can help you with all of your musical goals and get you going in a positive musical direction.

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) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

o continue giving lessons. I have the most experience with Flute, but can teach many other instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, piano.
I have worked with many different age groups and levels of ability. I am happy to help you learn to have fun and "play" your instrument!

mer, I focus on helping beginning students start with a solid foundation, and intermediate students develop their abilities as they grow and learn. Parents and students can expect a professional demeanor, and clear communication about all aspects of my methods and availability. Contact me today, let’s begin making music!