Saxophone with Thomas S.

Name: Thomas Strommen Experience: 15 years of playing experience. I perform regularly in the Twin Cities, primarily in jazz and rock settings and have been doing so since I was 18. I am formally trained with a strong foundation in music theory. Why I teach: I want lessons to be positive experiences. Playing music ought to be fun and meaningful in my view. It is an activity that can be done one's whole life. Music builds community and promotes personal well-being. I believe in helping students become well-rounded musicians who both know their instrument, and have a familiarity with the wide world of music. What I teach: First I help each student establish a basic foundation in how to play the saxophone (if they are a beginner), then I help each student become better in the particular style or styles of saxophone playing that interests them. Jazz is the style I am most familiar with and I eventually encourage all students to explore jazz improvisation. I also teach classical saxophone playing of the sort that is expected in school concert bands. The saxophone is a very dynamic instrument and can produce a wide variety of tones, which is why it is found is so many different genres of music.