Philosophy

As a private instructor I strive to provide a supportive environment in which each of my students can feel accomplished with their musical transformation. I believe all of my students have the potential to become proficient on their chosen instrument, and this belief is one of my strongest tools to motivate students as well as help them overcome a lack of confidence. I offer lessons to students of any age or skill level and help them achieve their goals on either the saxophone or clarinet or both! I teach with a heavy emphasis on fundamentals and technique. This is true whether the student’s goal is for personal fulfillment, success in their own school’s music program, playing opportunities outside of school, or for future applications to collegiate programs. This means lessons will include time spent identifying the students’ ideal sound and working on executing it through long tones, overtones, and pitch exercises, as well as a precise look at their embouchure. I also utilize several different scale and pattern books and exercises depending on whether the student is a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player. Time spent working on the basics translates to students gaining enthusiasm for playing their instrument and having the freedom to play a wider range of music. When it comes to selecting repertoire, I offer an especially enthusiastic and knowledgeable perspective towards the world of classical saxophone and clarinet music. With that said, I always take into consideration my students’ musical interests and am happy to help them find ways to help them play songs they listen to and would like to play as well. 

Affiliations

Los Angeles Secondary Music Teachers Association (LASMTA)

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) 

California Music Educators Association (CMEA)

Taft Educational Arts Fund (TEAF)