Masterclasses & Residencies
I strive to meet students where they are, building on their existing skills in a positive and inspired environment. With extensive experience coaching large and small ensembles of all ability levels as well as working individually with saxophonists, I bring both breadth and depth to every teaching situation.
Topics for individual lessons include effective practice strategies, jazz performance fundamentals, developing jazz language, and improving listening and transcription skills. Lessons are available in person or via FaceTime and Zoom.
-
Description: The jazz ballad is an often overlooked yet essential skill in jazz performance, one that reveals a player's depth, musical maturity, and capacity for genuine expression.
Objectives: This master class is designed to give participants skills and concepts in the development of a mature ballad style. Using the works of Thelonious Monk as a primary vehicle, students will learn to balance respect for a composer’s intent with personal creative expression.
-
Description and Objectives: This session gives students tools and concepts to find their own voice — building the musical instincts and vocabulary needed to express themselves authentically within the jazz tradition.
-
Description: Developing technical and artistic fluency in the jazz tradition demands more than practice — it takes disciplined study habits, effective technique, deep focused listening
Objectives: Drawing on more than two decades as a working jazz performer and educator, this master class offers participants concrete ideas and approaches for how to practice — not just what to practice.
-
Description: This session is designed to introduce improvisation concepts to students during the large ensemble rehearsal
Objectives: Students will begin to develop skills in improvisation in a no-pressure, fun setting that builds confidence and can be used as part of the regular large ensemble rehearsal.