Saxophone Lessons

Preferred methods: Standard of Excellence and Rubank

I started learning saxophone in fifth grade.  Since then, I have studied privately under Mr. James Skura and Prof. Janet Pinto Sommerfeld.  I have played saxophone in a wide variety of ensembles, including the jazz and concert bands at Concordia University — Saint Paul, the Minnesota State Band, and saxophone quartets and ensembles that I have led.

For beginners (especially younger students), I prefer the Standard of Excellence books, but I am willing to work from Essential Elements or any other books the student uses for school.  For the older or more advanced students, I typically use the Rubank series of books along with established saxophone repertoire.  I use a combination of Dan Greenblatt's "The Blues Scales" and Jamey Aesbersold's series on improvisation for students interested in jazz.