Colin Cahill's Jazz Saxophone Lessons
About
I work in schools and love seeing the growth and progress of my students. I believe that music, like everything else, is just about making small steps to get better every day
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically, I assess the student in the first few lessons to see where they are at before beginning instruction. I like to start my students out with learning music that they like, by ear if possible, because I believe that while being able to read music is a valuable skill, it's important to be able to use one's ear first.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was fortunate to learn under many great teachers, Mark Taylor, Steve Treseler, Craig Flory, and Gary Bartz among them. They all taught me different things that I bring to my students, whether it's technical, auditory, or analytical. I've also been fortunate to lead several presentations on saxophone basics and spend 4 years at Oberlin Conservatory learning all aspects of jazz music and music theory.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are on a sliding scale for accessibility. I ask you to pay what you can to enable me to continue to offer lower rates for folks who cannot. No questions will be asked about why you are paying the rate you are. Additionally I offer lower rates for the BIPOC community who this music has been stolen from. I believe in equal opportunity and accessibility and am willing to work with anyone to find something that works for both of us
1/2 hr: 20-35$
1 hr: 40-70$
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching shortly after leaving college. I was reflecting on my mentors in the jazz community, and how they've helped push me forward with knowledge and guidance, and how I wanted to one day take that role up.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of widely different age ranges, from 4 years to 14 years old (although I'd be excited to teach anyone older) and in a variety of musical backgrounds and genres of music, from classical and jazz to more modern pop music. I can meet students at any skill level, even if they have only just begun to play.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I played a concert in my neighboorhood during quarantine around Christmas time, and the response from the community, both online and in person, was all that any musician could ask for.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who's style of teaching challenges you to play and think in a different way than you did before.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How can I approach this problem I'm having with this music? If you try an approach and run into trouble over and over again, your mentors are there to help you get up and get on track, to guide your journey in a direction you want to go in, but ultimately that journey's direction is up to you