Avon, OH Saxophone Lessons

Basic scales of the tenor sax starting with the key of Bflat. Scale progression, circle of fifths, finger exercises.

With over 20 years as a professional saxophonist and 15 years teaching experience I know the demands of a performing musician professionally and academically. I teach students how to produce a good tone quality with characteristic vibrato. I can teach students to become good at reading music. Students who are interested in jazz or pop styles of music will be taught improvisation techniques and how to play by ear.

I have been playing various woodwind instruments for almost my entire life. I focus on tone, intonation (staying in tune), and the confidence needed to be a strong melodic player. I teach all of the various saxes including soprano, alto, tenor, and bari.

I have taught alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones, theory and harmony for over 15 years, with a strong emphasis on technique, intonation and style. I teach beginner to advanced students in the styles of jazz, R&B and classical. I have taught at five music schools, as well as serving on the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College.

I played first alto in the Case Western Reserve Symphonic Winds and Cleveland Institute of Music's Wind Ensemble as well as lead alto for CWRU Jazz Ensemble. I perform as a freelance saxophonist in straight-ahead, contemporary and modern jazz, R&B, funk, soul, Motown, blues, swing, pop, dance, disco, merengue, and salsa.

Strong instrumental playing begins with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of music and the simple act of making a sound from the instrument. Students learn to play music by ear first, and are later introduced to music notation. More advanced lessons emphasize sight-reading, expression, and improvisation.

A woodwind player since age 10, Thomas has experience as a performer and teacher. His previous education has included methodology classes on teaching specific instruments, and he is available to teach intermediate and beginning saxophone lessons.

I've been teaching music for over 10 years and my students have gone on into All-State. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to begin playing your first 5 notes and as time goes on you'll be able to fun songs. I specialize in classical, Jazz, Rock, and Klezmer style music, and I typically use the Rubank Method books. I also provide assistance in reed adjustment. I place a strong emphasis on reading, using the proper technique and rhythm and I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and I can't wait to meet you!

I believe in catering lessons to a students individual desires and musical goals. I play Tenor, Alto, Soprano and EWI. Our lessons can cover a broad range of concepts like:
Musicality/Performance
Jazz Improvisation
Composition/Arranging
How to practice
Tone and Sound production
Technique
Doubling
Reading/Sight Reading
Learning Tunes
Using petals and electronic musical components
And MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

Learning an instrument, like learning a language, should be an interactive experience with a continuous flow of feedback. It should also be fun, with the opportunity to use each new skill in real life and on a daily basis.

Over the past 12 years, I have had the opportunity to study the saxophone (as well piano, composition, arranging, film scoring, and songwriting) with some of the most creative and talented teachers from Los Angeles, New York, and Portland, OR, including world-renowned saxophonists Bob Mintzer (of the Yellowjackets) and Bob Sheppard. Through my years of studying and teaching beginning and intermediate saxophonists, I believe it is the teacher's job to "teach the student how to teach themselves" by giving them the tools and critical feedback needed to excel not only in learning a new instrument, but in all aspects of music and life.

NYS Certified Music Teacher. Public school teacher (Elementary)on Long Island since 2002. Excited to work with new students and students desiring to learn more and do more with their instrument!

An alumnus of Baldwin-Wallace conservatory and graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, I have been teaching music lessons since 1998.

I customize my lessons to cater to the needs and goals of each student, while building a strong foundation of reading music, ear training, music theory, sight reading, technique, and improvisation - not to mention FUN!

All levels welcome, and all ages. I have taught school children aged 9 through 20, and adults. I have successfully prepared students for OMEA Solo and Ensemble contests, auditions to North Ohio Youth Orchestra and College auditions.