About Me
In 6th grade, I started playing saxophone—the rest is history.
I have taught at the University of Louisiana (Lafayette), Middle Tennessee State University, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. My teaching experience includes private lessons, improvisation, jazz history, jazz theory, arranging, woodwind methods, and ensembles.
Saxophone Lessons
All Levels
Many musicians have generously mentored me throughout my life, and I'm passionate about passing on what I've learned to the next generation - contact me if you want help getting to the next level! It doesn't matter if you're a beginner just starting out on saxophone or someone who has been playing for some time and just wants to move beyond your current plateau. We can work on jazz improvisation, getting a better sound, playing more in tune, playing with better rhythm and phrasing — whatever you feel you need help with, I've been there and can help guide you forward.
About my approach
For me, the most important thing about teaching is listening. My first responsibility is to listen to you, to hear what your needs and goals are. No two students are the same! I try and meet you where you’re at — that way I can help you arrive at where you would like to be.
That said, it is essential that we build a firm foundation—I always tailor the lessons to cover the building blocks of music in a way that the student will be able to take those fundamentals and be able to thrive in any musical situation.
Lastly, well maybe not lastly, I love music! Music is fun!!! I think studying music should be fun and I try to share that excitement with my students. My favorite teacher Michael Pellera used to say, “It’s not rocket science”—we call it playing music for a reason. One of my guiding goals is to help students share the joy in making music.
Interested in studying with me?
Get in Touch!
I'm currently accepting new students of all levels for the fall. In-person lessons are in New Orleans, LA.
I also teach online lessons worldwide via Zoom/Skype/Facetime. If you've been wanting to learn saxophone, level up your improvisation skills, deepen your understanding of jazz, or just feeling stuck in your musical progress, hit me up! I'd love to discuss how we can achieve your musical goals.
Gratitude
I'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many elders and peers who have helped me develop as a musician — without their guidance and inspiration I wouldn't be where I am today:
Jim Emminger
Tony Dagradi
Michael Pellera
Don Aliquo
John Ellis
Jeff Coffin
Eric Traub