Christian DeGrave Music Studio
About
Christian has been playing professionally for 12 years. He completed his BM in Music Education and Saxophone Performance at SUNY Fredonia. There he studied classical and jazz saxophone.
Christian completed his MM in Jazz performance at New Jersey City University. There he studied saxophone with Bob Malach, Joel Weiskopf, Walt Weiskopf, Allen Farnham, and Nathan Eklund. He also studied flute and clarinet with Ed Joffe. He actively played gigs in the New York City and suburban area while at school.
Christian has played with numerous recording artists, including Conrad Herwig, Dave Douglas, Kurt Elling, Steve Wilson, and Steve Davis. Currently, he plays with Nik Entertainment Co. and other various groups in the Western New York area. Christian also spent some time playing professionally on Royal Caribbean's cruise ship, Adventure of the Seas.
Currently, Christian is employed as a high school instrumental music teacher in the New York State public school system. He also runs his own music studio with around 35 students. Christian specializes in teaching improvisation, saxophone, flute, and clarinet with extensive professional performing careers in each area. He also has 6 years experience teaching and playing double reed and brass instruments both privately and in the public school setting.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Upon initial contact I send an introductory email providing information to expedite the process of getting started. It usually includes materials they need and my expectations. The first lesson is for me to get to know the student and their abilities. Consecutive lessons are used to develop their skills depending on their abilities and goals as a musician.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BM in Classical Performance/Education
MM in Jazz Performance
6 years experience teaching in New York State Public Schools as a band instructor
Have been teaching privately since 2006 with over 20 students currently
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 for 30 minutes
$37.50 for 45 minutes
$50 for 1 hour
How did you get started teaching?
My mother was a teacher and I knew I wanted to do something with music my whole life. The summer before I went to college I started teaching privately and really enjoyed it. My love for teaching was solidified after student teaching. I have been teaching ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages of students from beginning to advanced including children with special needs.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you enjoy the personality of your teacher. If you can get along with them, then you will learn much more from each lesson.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Whether or not they can commit the time to learning an instrument.