Saxophone Lessons in Newington, VA

Having a great time learning the saxophone and learning about how to play it in any context!

I have been playing various types of saxophone (alto, tenor, soprano, and bari) since I was in middle school. I have played in jazz bands and combos in high school all the way through college. I can teach many musical styles and have worked with beginners and intermediate players.

Beginners: posture, breathing techniques, embouchure, sound production, articulation, phrasing, note reading
Intermediate: interpretation of different styles, dynamics, ensemble performance, building solid technique and stamina
Advanced: studying of orchestra excerpts, solo pieces, study of various concert and chamber music compositions

Damien G. received his Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance from Loyola University New Orleans, his Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas, and is currently working on his DMA at the University of North Texas. As an undergrad at Loyola University, Damien toured as a clarinet soloist with the Loyola Chamber Orchestra in Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Vienna. He has been a member of the UNT Wind Symphony , under Eugene Corporan, and the UNT Orchestra, led by Anshel Brusilow. More recently, he has performed at two UNT concerto concerts as a soloist with the UNT chamber orchestra. Damien also has performed with the Contemporary Theater of Dallas along with other freelance activities in the DFW area. His teachers include: Mr. A. Crisanti,Dr. James Gillespie, Dr. John Scott, Steve Cohen, Daryl Coad, and John Reeks.

I figure out exactly where you are in your technique and knowledge of music and of the instrument. Then, I start teaching from there! For me, the goal of lessons should be the goal of the student, and I do my best to honor that while pushing my students to surpass those goals.

My ultimate aim, is to provide you with an approach to practicing and performing music, that keeps you wanting to go back to do more.

In my career, I primarily play the tenor and baritone saxophones, but I mostly teach alto, and play soprano sometimes. Additionally, I also play the clarinet, bass clarinet, flute and piccolo. With this experience, I help out a lot of my more advanced saxophone students with doubling on these instruments, so they can be prepared for college and the professional world.

I encourage my advanced Jr. High and High School students to audition for various honor groups throughout California and the country such as SCSBOA, CBDA, JBOA, etc. With my background in these groups, I ...

Experienced Sax Teacher of 30 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students progress quickly in the direction they want to go. I specialize in rock, blues and jazz, and I use my own method for teaching which takes 10% of the usual time of most methods. I have a video that demonstrates that.