Saxophone Lessons in Elrama, PA

In my 17 years playing the saxophone, I've performed in all sorts of places and styles - orchestras, jazz bands, chamber groups, rock concerts, musical pits, you name it! I've taught beginners, college students, and even retirees.

I've studied classical and jazz music at Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and Baldwin Wallace Universities with James Houlik, Mike Tomaro, and others. I have studied composition, music theory, and music history, too. After all, there's more to learning an instrument than just knowing which fingers to press down!

I can help you improve your skills and style whether you're just starting out on the sax or fine-tuning your college auditions!

Nat S. is passionate about music and loves sharing that passion with his students!

Students develop superior instrumental technique by playing and studying real music.
Music should be learned visually and aurally (notated music and playing by ear).
Understanding the harmony and compositional techniques used in music leads to a deeper, more authentic musical experience for students.
Students will receive clear and meaningful guidance in how to improvise creative and interesting melodic lines.
Students will learn how to maintain a disciplined practice schedule and hold themselves and others to very high standards.
Students will have lots of fun while learning to play well! Music is a challenging subject, but it is also extremely fulfilling. Enjoying the process of learning is essential to real success in any domain - not just music.

While my degrees are in clarinet, I am also an accomplished saxophonist who has performed in ensembles throughout Colorado and Western Massachusetts, including jazz ensembles, musicals, and a professional saxophone quartet with performances at a regional North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Conference. I have experience ranging from helping students just learning their instrument all the way to students looking at All State or college auditions. My goal is to tailor lessons to meet each student's individual needs and interests, while still reinforcing good technique. Lessons will usually consist of doing a mix of different things such as: long tones, scales, etudes to improve technique and musicality, solos, duets, and Disney or jazz/pop tunes.

I am an experienced music teacher of 15 years, specializing in beginner, intermediate, and advanced saxophone players. My other specialty is working with intermediate and advanced jazz improv students of all instruments. All ages are welcome. I will customize the lessons and program to the needs and goals of each student. Whether you are an award winning jazz soloist or someone just starting out on the sax, I can take you to the next step and we can have a great time doing it! Let's get started!

I have developed a teaching method that is efficient and creative, and is backed by over thirty years of professional performing experience. In the past fifteen years, I have taught continuously at several music schools in Germany. In my classroom, I approach music lessons with uncompromising attention to the goals of my students, their abilities and style. While focused on rigorous study of instrumental technique and music theory,

I am a professional saxophonist with a Masters Degree from New England Conservatory and 7+ years of teaching/performance experience. Lesson are for all styles and experience levels, and are catered to each individual students needs and interests. I strive to create an open, positive environment that encourages learning, personal growth, and a passion for music.