Avon, OH Saxophone Lessons

t orchestras and groups all around the Los Angeles area. I am also apart of a horn ensemble called the Thursday Horn Club. I have performed in such wonderful venues as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Sydney Opera house, in which I was able to premier a piece!

I look forward to working with you or your child in helping to start or continue a musical instrument!

*** Lesson Details ***
When I teach lessons, I like to check in with the student to see how their day was and how practicing throughout the week went. I am very patient and will teach at the student's pace. I expect the student to practice during the week, even if for just 10 minutes a day. I will always work with a student as long as it takes to have them understand what is difficult for them musically.

For music, I try to find free options but books may be a better option. When we choose a book to play out of, I like to choose a book together so that the parent and the child are happy about the selection. Books vary based on what the needs are for each student. Books are to be purchased by the parent.

I usually play my instruments with the students, but being a freelance musician, I may need to save my chops for an upcoming gig. Not always, but happens from time to time :)

I also have a 24-hour cancellation/lesson change policy. If you are late for your lesson, I will try to accommodate the time but may have students or rehearsals afterward so it will not always be a guarantee. If you are going to be late, please text me BEFORE the scheduled lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson space is in my home w/ seating for parents and music stand for students. I also have a cat and a dog, so if you are allergic, please let me know!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide the music books and their own instruments and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical genres of playing but I am able to teach all different styles of music.

ty after moving here from Philadelphia in early 2001, after graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 1999 with a Bachelors in Music Performance.

Throughout my musical career I have worked in a variety of capacities in addition to being a performer, including working as a composer and recording studio engineer. My main area of expertise is performing as a jazz saxophonist on alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, and I regularly play throughout New York City in restaurants, jazz clubs, bars and other music venues.

As a private music teacher, I place an emphasis on giving the student an in depth understanding of his or her instrument, and I place the utmost importance on explaining advanced concepts in the simplest of terms in order to insure that the student fully comprehends the objectives of each lesson. Such concepts that I cover regularly are sight-reading, ear-training, technique, and creativity.

As a regularly performing musician in New York City, I can be seen every Sunday night at Ba'sik (a very popular bar in Williamsburg Brooklyn) where I lead an open jazz jam session. A few of my adult students have even been able to reach a level in jazz improvisation that they've been able to come out and sit in with the band.

YOUNGER STUDENTS: I’ve found that in most cases, it is very difficult for students younger than 8 or 9 years old to learn instruments like the clarinet, saxophone and flute. Occasionally, an exception can be made if a younger student is taller than average for his or her age, but most of the time the size of a student’s hands, as well as his or her amount of a physical strength, are not adequate enough until around the ages of 8 or 9. A worthwhile alternative, if a student is absolutely enthusiastic about learning a woodwind instrument, is to begin them on an instrument called the recorder. The recorder is a real instrument, but it is a more primitive, smaller, and simpler of an instrument than the saxophone, clarinet, or the flute; however, it is a great way for young students to begin learning the basics of playing a woodwind instrument and also learning important musical concepts such as reading music notation, pitch, and rhythm. I have also been introduced to a new line of instruments that are developed for younger students by a company called Nuvo. These instruments are smaller and simpler analogs to the saxophone, flute, and clarinet, and they can function as the next step in a younger student’s progression between the recorder and an actual saxophone, flute, or clarinet. The specific instruments that I deal with are called the jSax and the DooD by Nuvo Instrumental. I was asked to demo these instruments and you can check them out if you scroll down to the video section of my profile and look for the videos entitled “jSax and DooD review and demo. Nuvo Instrumental” or “jSax and Dood demo. Nuvo Instrumental”.

In addition to teaching woodwind instruments and jazz improvisation, I also have experience teaching Sibelius music writing software, and audio engineering and editing with Pro-tools LE and Logic Pro X.

PLEASE NOTE: Because the NYC area is very different geographically from other parts of the country, especially in terms of transportation, I may appear outside of your area in terms of where I am available to travel. If you are very interested in taking lessons with me, but you are outside of my travel zone, please feel free to follow up with a Takelessons counselor and have them contact me personally to see if we might make an exception. I am available to travel to virtually all areas of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan as well as Jersey City and Hoboken, depending on if the day and time selected allows me acceptable travel time between other scheduled lessons. If my location in Astoria Queens is not convenient for you, and you are unable to have lessons in your home, then there is also an option where I can most likely find a very affordable teaching studio in an area that is more convenient for you that we may rent by the hour and split the cost for your lesson.

*** Lesson Details ***
Any student, regardless of age or experience level, learns best when engaged in an activity that he or she understands and enjoys. Part of my success as a teacher can be attributed to my willingness to take into account every student's particular musical interests and strengths, and attempt to teach directly to those areas. For instance, in the initial stages of developing a student and teacher relationship, I like to request that the student compile a "wish list" of approximately ten pieces of music that he or she would like to be able to play. This list may include pieces in such genres as classical, jazz, and popular music, just to name a few. It is through this list that the student can begin almost immediately learning exactly what he or she likes, and by default, I can then teach the student all of the technical components needed to perform on his or her instrument, as well as determine the specific areas where the student needs to receive more focused instruction. More importantly, this "thinking outside of the box," customized approach provides a fun atmosphere and enables the student to enjoy learning the art of playing music by not being solely dependent on instructional booklets which many students, regardless of age and experience, find boring and tedious.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Additional saxophones for students who do not currently have a saxophone to use during a lesson. Recording equipment, including software and microphones. Mac book pro with music writing and recording software. Full 88 key keyboard.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Additional saxophones. Macbook pro with recording and music writing software

*** Specialties ***
music, music theory, home recording, saxophone, clarinet, flute,
all styles

as gone on to play with a long list of different ensembles across many state lines.

At age 19 he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and once there studied under virtuoso saxophonist Joshua Smith and master guitarist Andy Tran.

Kelly found a residency with a local San Jose group and did six months with The Craig Robinson Blues Band while he was gaining music students and slowly transitioning into a full-time music life. He also played with Lowfat an established Bay Area original dance band, was hired by the Darell Patrick Jazz Ensemble for private events and recorded for The Jake Makey Band before moving to Colorado in search of a higher chance of musical success paired with a lower cost of living.

In Fort Collins, CO Matthew sat in as a guest artist regularly with local jazz pianist Mark Sloniker at his residency at Jay's Bistro. Busking paid very well and helped keep the bills paid. Then Kelly could pursue playing 2 instruments in an original jam band The Hot Coal.

While in Fort Collins Kelly gave 6 months of guitar lessons to 2016 Scene Magazine coveree Elise Wunder to help her accomplish her performance goals. Today she travels the world playing her amazing original music.

In 2011 Matthew felt the need to return home. Knowing Austin is the real place to share the music and being from here, he rode his bicycle back here and eventually found the musical projects that he plays in today.

Continental Drift
&
Bourgeois Mystics

To hear Matthew's guitar playing and bass guitar approach visit his Soundcloud.

ents and business professionals. I have also served on the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College.

I am patient, friendly and many students tell me that I explain concepts more effectively than their teachers. I am available weekdays or weekends, days or nights, throughout the entire year. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding my experience and teaching methods. While it should go without saying, I have a clean background that has been verified by the FBI and BCII. Let me know if you would like to set up an introductory lesson to design a customized strategy. There is no obligation to continue unless a customer is 100% satisfied.

I am one of the Top Five Tutors for:
1. most diverse subject matter
2. widest student age range
3. farthest geographical regions
4. largest client base
5. most hours taught monthly

Please note: I have set up my billing in thirty minute increments. Thus, I am able to offer lessons of varying lengths. However, I would appreciate longer sessions. I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to being at your service!

My subjects include:
ACT, SAT, PSAT, NMSQT - undergraduate admissions
GMAT, GRE - graduate admissions
ISEE, HSPT, SSAT, TACHS, COOP - high school admissions
ASVAB, AFQT, ASTB-E, OAR - armed forces placement
TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC - English as a Second Language
PARCC, AIR AST, OAA, OGT, ITBS, STAAR, GED, HiSET, TABE - proficiency
HESI-A2, ATI TEAS V, NLN-PAX-RN, C-NET-RN, NET, DAT - nursing and dental

Mathematics: algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-algebra, elementary
English: grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, ESL, ESOL
Research Papers: editing, proofreading, outlining, analyzing, citations
Computer: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, QuickBooks
Special Needs: ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Asperger's, study skills
Music: theory, ear training, sight singing, improvisation, saxophone
Job Seeking: resume writing, cover letters, T-Letters, LinkedIn, job search techniques
Professional Services: bookkeeping, AP/AR, property management, office automation

*** Studio Equipment ***
Microsoft Windows and Macintosh Laptops

*** Travel Equipment ***
Microsoft Windows and Macintosh Laptops

gside a song you love or reading through a classical concerto, I’ll help prepare you or your child to tackle a wide variety of styles, without missing out on any of the basics that turn good players into phenomenal musicians. We all know it’s not about being the best. It’s about having fun, and playing music well is definitely fun. Music lessons include:

1. Building a really strong foundation so it's easy to interpret or understand any part, and to play it with the right amount of practice.

2. Learning to sight-read music, so you can play it well as soon as possible.

3. Learning how to improvise (make-up) music, learn music by ear, and to understand and create chords, which lets you play music in different ways.

4. Play different styles from classical to jazz to popular music.

5. Learning how to practice efficiently so you can learn music as fast as possible.

6. Composing our own original music.

Practice makes perfect! Learning an instrument helps build self-confidence and discipline. If your child’s bored, distracted, or just needs a constructive hobby, music is a great place to get them interested in something that will help them feel better about themselves, and the effects will be felt across everything else they do, through better studying habits to a more patient, diligent work ethic.

It’s also relaxing! Stressed about work? Need an escape? Everybody has the power to learn an instrument. Seriously, there’s no such thing as “talent.” Just start lessons and get practicing! It really is that simple, and I’ll guide you through every step of the way.

I have a diverse background teaching students of all ages, from 3-year-olds to retirees alike, customizing what we learn to the individual student. We’ll learn how to read music just as easily as you read words; improvise and compose music of our own; and feel good playing any style: classical, jazz, rock, and all. My experience as a working musician in films, musical theater, and pop music, as well as classical concert music, allows me to appreciate and teach styles that many other instructors overlook, and I know full well that learning an instrument is not about becoming a professional; it’s about being able to connect to others or oneself through music… and also to just have fun! There’s no need to learn music we don’t like! It’s not about stuffing Beethoven into your kids’ ears… we just want to make music, be that Beethoven or Billy Joel.

Learning an instrument is one of those few skills that will genuinely last you your whole life. I don’t want to sugarcoat it: it takes time to learn an instrument. It takes practice, and sometimes it’s frustrating. But the results are well worth it.

Now get out there and make some music! But start by signing up for lessons. I can’t wait to get started!

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“What’s that chord?” “Why does all my music sound the same?” “How do I fix this voicing?” “I just can’t get it out of my head!” …sound familiar? You’ve probably hit a rut. Or maybe you’re just starting out. Either way, you want your music to sound new, exciting, and to come out exactly how you hear it in your head. Yes… you CAN learn to compose music, you CAN learn to be more creative, and you CAN learn to share your sound with the world.

Film music, classical, jazz… whatever your interest, all music comes from the same place, and by learning a handful of basic concepts, you can apply these to whatever style you’re trying to write. Learning to emulate another musician involves knowing what they’re doing. Learning to create a groundbreaking sound requires that you know what’s already been done, and how to achieve it. Step by step, we’ll work our way there.

We’ll learn how to write cool, interesting chord progressions, how to write beautiful melodies, and how to voice chords. We’ll learn how to control the mood of our music, from making it sound relaxed to adding tension wherever we want. Maybe you’re trying to write for an orchestra, or just a small band. By learning the basics, you can then easily break away from what’s been done and come up with something truly new… the goal of any aspiring composer!

in my schedule to teach any one who is serious about excelling on his/her instrument. I look forward to helping you reach your potential.

of your money back. I have 3 Grammy nominations but the proof of what i can do for you is in this video. Search this title on Youtube:
"Demo of My Sax Students Improvising Progress- 5th lesson to 16th lesson" or just click the video at the bottom of this page.

st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA, specializing in saxophone and clarinet. After completing my military enlistment, I returned to Chicago and obtained a degree in Music Performance from Chicago State University while continuing to perform my military service as the principal saxophonist and squad leader for the 85th Division U.S. Army Reserve Band, Arlington Heights, IL. Throughout my military service, I specialized in jazz big band and combo, marching band and concert band performances. I have received multiple letters of appreciation and accommodation for my musical efforts. I began teaching music in 1997 and have never stopped.

As a professional musician, I have performed for former Presidents of the United States and several heads of state from around the world. Additionally, I have recorded professionally on military service concerts, a film soundtrack, and collaborated on studio recordings for local artists. I have also submitted musical works for consideration in the John Lennon Song Writer's Competition.

As an educator, I have taught General Music, band and private vocal and instrumental lessons throughout the state of Illinois for the past twenty years. I have previously served as the Music Coordinator for the Beverly Arts Center as well as a resident teacher instructing individuals from youth to adult.

Everyone has the capability to demonstrate their love of Music!

s, and performing experience. I have taken lessons with world renowned saxophonists such as Bob Mintzer and Bob Sheppard. I know what it's like to be a student and in my years of teaching experience I have taught students of every level.

I hope to share my love of music with you!