
Sean H.

Teaching Locations:

Teaching Locations:

Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedWhile my passion is jazz, I also have plenty of classical experience. I love teaching saxophone!!
About Sean H.
When I was 12 or 13 I heard John Coltrane's masterpiece album 'Giant Steps' for the first time. From then on I was absolutely magnetized to the saxophone and devoted my life to studying the great art form of jazz. I have come to believe that the only thing better than playing music is sharing music with others!
Hailing from Flagstaff, Arizona, I attended Western Michigan University on a four year scholarship and received my Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies in 2009. I had the privilege of studying with the great Trent Kynaston, as well as performing with some of the most influential jazz musicians today, including Bobby McFerrin, Stefon Harris, Billy Hart, Fred Hersch, and Randy Brecker. I now live in Chicago where I teach lessons and perform regularly with my bands, The Winchester Sound and Orcas are Dolphins.
I teach jazz saxophone, classical saxophone, music theory, jazz/pop theory, music performance, arranging and composition.
*** Lesson Details ***
I believe everyone gets into music for a different reason, and therefore each student deserves their own custom curriculum. It is important for students to work at a pace and in a direction that is comfortable for them. For this reason, we will start with a consultation so I can figure out exactly what you aim to get out of taking lessons. From there we will incorporate some standard curriculum and method books that I enjoy using, as well as my own techniques that involve plenty of ear training and exercises to improve one's facility on the instrument (scales, patterns, technique).
Most importantly, we're going to have a lot of fun! If you are not having fun it's not even worth your time. I am very laid back and promote a stress-free environment!
Remember, I was once a beginner, too. I know what it's like to learn something new, so I want to be there to guide you through it!
*** Studio Equipment ***
extra music room f/w keyboard w/ seating for parents
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide no equipment. Student must provide saxophone, reeds, books, etc.
*** Specialties ***
My passion is jazz. Not just jazz saxophone, but the art form in general. I love to teach people the theory behind improvisation and watch them as they explore and internalize the endless possibilities thereafter.
I am also classically trained and am equally proficient in that area, although I would say I do prefer jazz.
In summary, my specialties would be: jazz saxophone, jazz/pop theory, improvisation, jazz arranging, saxophone performance, composing.
Reviews
Write a Review
Super great, gave me tips and resources to practice at home and had a wonderful personality.

Great Teacher! Great experience. I have homework (yay!), and I am looking forward to returning.

Sean is a great teacher! He's extremely knowledgeable and can explain tough concepts very clearly. He's really made me feel like my goals are within reach. Highly, highly recommended (especially if you want to play jazz).

Sean is a great teacher-very upbeat and positive! He explains things in a way that makes it easy to understand. Sean makes learning fun! :)

Sean is energetic and patient and a dynamic teacher. Would recommend to anyone trying to learn.

Sean has been a great teacher. He's extremely flexible in terms of scheduling, and exceptionally passionate about helping others improve. I've been playing pretty consistently for ~15 years and can still see progress after just the first few lessons with Sean.

My son had one half hour lesson (so far). He was very happy with the amount of knowledge gained in a very short time. I anticipate (but don't know) that this will be very beneficial to his saxophone skills and we look forward to continuing lessons with Sean
Outstanding teacher
Sean has been a fantastic sax instructor; very knowledgeable, fun to hang around with, soulful and passionate about the instrument.
He's very patient, and willing to adjust his teaching plan and style to accommodate his students' personal likes, strengths, and weaknesses.
Strongly recommend.
Sean is a one of a kind teacher !
Sean is a passionate, energetic and empathic instructor with an amazing mix of both theoretical knowledge and real-life experience.
Sean adapted the lessons to my skills level and challenged me to try out new techniques and expanded my musical horizons.
I can see how my saxophone playing skills have developed throughout our lessons and can't wait to get back home to show my friends and family all the new stuff I learned.
What a great teacher!
Sean is a very talented, patient, and FUN sax/keyboard teacher. He actually makes me want to practice! He is always in a good mood, and he will never make you feel silly if you have a hard time learning something new. I highly recommend him to students of any age or talent level.
Excellent musician and teacher, nice guy too :)
Sean is an excellent saxophone player and instructor. He is knowledgeable on music theory and has a relaxed easy going teaching style. He is enthusiastic about teaching and playing music which makes for a fun lesson. I enjoyed meeting Sean and I look forward to taking more lessons with him.
This is your guy, hands down!
I have had multiple instructors in the past but no one compares to Sean Hill. Awesome fellow, very patient and accommodating. Flexible with your schedule and knows how to take things step by step. Granted I had some basics with the Sax, he was able to catch up to my learning abilities and guide me from there but don't take my word for it, give him a try and you will be writing the same review, if not better, in the months following.
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosExperience
Band Teacher
Jan 2012 - May 2014Band For Today
After school band program, focused on middle school/high school. I was lucky enough to teach a few amazing band programs in the Chicago area during this time!
Education
BM Jazz Studies/Saxophone Performance
Aug 2004 - Apr 2009Western Michigan University
Awards
Outstanding Performance
Aug 2008Detroit Jazz Festival, 2008
Outstanding Performance
Oct 2007Notre Dame Jazz Festival
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