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Saxophone Tutor Specializing in Pop, Blues, and Jazz
Will S.

1,510 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $47

About Will


Bio

Hi I'm Will
I’ve taught Saxophone and clarinet at the ‘American Conservatory of Music’ and the ‘Old Town School of Folk Music’.
I’ve taught thousands of saxophone lessons to students ranging in age from eight to eighty-from complete beginners to advanced performers.
I know just about everything there is to know about saxophone. I've been playing sax since I was 12. I've played saxophone all the way through high school orchestra, concert band, marching band, stage band. I even played sax...

Hi I'm Will
I’ve taught Saxophone and clarinet at the ‘American Conservatory of Music’ and the ‘Old Town School of Folk Music’.
I’ve taught thousands of saxophone lessons to students ranging in age from eight to eighty-from complete beginners to advanced performers.
I know just about everything there is to know about saxophone. I've been playing sax since I was 12. I've played saxophone all the way through high school orchestra, concert band, marching band, stage band. I even played sax in three different garage bands. Saxophone was my life then and still is to this day.
In college I played alto saxophone and tenor saxophone in big bands, combos, quartets, trios- you name it.
I’ve recorded five CDs under my own name and have performed at numerous music festivals around the world.

My Teaching Philosophy
I always ask the student what their favorite song or what music was downloaded recently. From this song we extract and discover the concepts of melody, rhythm, meter, tempo, form, and key; subjects that are difficult to teach if you don’t use a song the student enjoys listening to. The student is surprised to learn that no matter what the song or genre, all music may be described and analyzed in the aforementioned terms. My lessons create a personal musical experience that the student reviews subconsciously whenever she hears that song, dances to that song, or is reminded of that song. The student is doing music homework without even thinking about it.


Education

Berklee College of Music
Bachelor
Northern Illinois University
Masters
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $47
  • Rate details: cancellation policy 24 hours or charged the full rate of lesson
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

General Music

General Music

I taught 3 years of General Music K-8 in Chicago Public Schools. I have a bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music, and a masters degree in Music Northern Illinois University.
Music Theory

Music Theory

I received top grades in theory in college. I've taught more than 25 private students in music theory.
Piano

Piano

I've taught pop chords, jazz chords, and blues progressions, for the past two years to saxophone students to help them understand chord/scale relationships. Two years piano as undergraduate music major Berklee College of music four years piano in wedding band
Saxophone

Saxophone

I've toured the world performing blues and jazz on Saxophone. I worked with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Lucky Peterson, and Bernie Mac.

Examples of Expertise


Will has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Will S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Will before you book.

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Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (385 ratings)
5 star
(380)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Very knowledgeable on the Sax, transmits his knowledge easily, Friendly, Professional , Enthusiastic, Computer savvy,

Saxophone 1 - The importance of the Reed. 2- The Reed is one of the most critical parts of the Sax. 3- What they’re made from 4- How to care for your Reed 5- How to place the reed on the mouthpiece 6- How to keep the Reed moist while playing the Sax 7- How to position your bottom lip against the Reed and mouthpiece to get a sound 8- When to replace a Reed and choosing the right Reeds 9- How to tighten the mouthpiece (ligature) 10- How to condition the Neck Cork with cork grease 11- How to place the mouthpiece on the Neck cork 13- Adjusting the Neck strap 14- Positioning the horn on the right side of the body, making sure the mouthpiece comes directly to the mouth before you begin to play 15- Right, left hands 3 middle fingers and thumb are positioned on the horn 16- Fingering Chart 17-Positioning my fingers on the Sax following the Fingering Chart 18- I learn to play 4 different notes 18-Before I knew it, I was playing my first song Will is very patient. I made several mistakes it was ok with him, he would say that’s ok, I try it again. He was very pleased with the effort I put into learning on my first lesson. Will gave me hope, which I, at one time was beginning to wonder if I had purchased a Sax and was going nowhere. I didn’t understand the fingering chart, but I understand now. I have no complaints, I’m excited and looking forward to learning as much as I can.

Brenda, 26 lessons with Will

AMAZING EDUCATIR

Will's teaching style is a game-changer for beginners! He empowers students to play songs they already love, while seamlessly weaving in essential scales that bring the music to life. By blending ear training with music theory, Will doesn’t just teach; he transforms the way you learn. You'll quickly see the difference between mindless practice and truly understanding music. Prepare to ignite your musical journey!

Anonymous, 5 lessons with Will

Great first lesson

Will did a great job leading me through preliminary exercises so he could get a feel for my (limited) skills and I learned a lot along the way. Looking forward to our future lessons.

Matthew, 5 lessons with Will

Second lesson

Progressing every lesson. Will is very thorough and patient. Always asks if you have any questions which is very helpful. Uses the board a recording to the students advantage. Can’t wait till next lesson!

MARCELO, 14 lessons with Will

Second lesson

Progressing every lesson. Will is very thorough and patient. Always asks if you have any questions which is very helpful. Uses the board a recording to the students advantage. Can’t wait till next lesson!

MARCELO, 14 lessons with Will

Second lesson

Progressing every lesson. Will is very thorough and patient. Always asks if you have any questions which is very helpful. Uses the board a recording to the students advantage. Can’t wait till next lesson!

MARCELO, 14 lessons with Will

Second lesson

Progressing every lesson. Will is very thorough and patient. Always asks if you have any questions which is very helpful. Uses the board a recording to the students advantage. Can’t wait till next lesson!

MARCELO, 14 lessons with Will

Omg!

Look no further! This is an awesome sax tutor. He is very patient and enthusiastic about his lessons. My daughter had two lessons with Will and has learned quite a bit. He is very detailed and provides various strategies and techniques to practice. He is obviously very passionate about his instrument and about teaching. I would definitely recommend.

Katrina, 4 lessons with Will

Best Sax Teacher!

Literally answers all questions, gives you really cool parts of songs to practice on your own. He wants you to be better than him I truly believe. I only come to him biweekly because I’m so busy, but when school slows down I will be here twice a week.

Marc, 11 lessons with Will

Able to customize to my interests., Blues stylings

Taught me several tricks that sax players use on blues to sound "hot". Gave me new ideas and relevant materials to practice. Was very open to focusing on what I wanted to know.

Stephanie, 35 lessons with Will
Hourly Rate: $47
Contact Will