I am a music educator of 13 years: I have taught both middle school band and choir to at-risk youth, as well as elementary music at a private Christian academy. My principal instrument is the saxophone (which I began playing in 1990), and I play many other instruments. As for my formal education: I received the Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2005 from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; and the Master of Music Education degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA, 2010).

*** Lesson Details ***
My goal is to create life-long musicians...
I focus on the needs and interests of my students, thereby representing all musical genres and including all cultures.
My lessons are structured into activities that incorporate various aspects of music appreciation:
Music theory, music history, music technology, performance practice, etc. (making such lessons comprehensive)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Everyone needs their own instrument. In my studio, I have to keyboards side-by-side so that the student can both see and hear what I am teaching without ever swapping seats. As for percussion, my practice pad station serves for warm-up rudiments, whereas I have 2 drum-sets facing each other so that again, students can both see & hear what I am doing without needing to spend lesson time switching seats. For all other instruments, I recommend buying new for any brand that is not among the top 3 brands for that instrument...this ensures a working instrument in which to learn from and practice on without necessarily spending top dollar.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I always bring my instrument, metronome, tuner, music stand and stand for my instrument, including lesson materials and supplies.

*** Specialties ***
All genres, all styles & all cultures! I teach students of all ages--mostly at my home studio, but I also travel to students' homes, churches, and, as an alternative during the Summer only, I am willing to meet with students in the Practice Rooms in the Fine Arts Building at UTSA.