Grant Tharp
Lesson Feesfrom $30.00 / 30 Minutes
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About
There are a lot of things you can do with music in this life, and performing is only one of them. I've spent 30 years as a full time player, performing every type of music you can think of. I also write, arrange, record, and produce music for myself and other performers. My formative years were spent under the tutelage of a master classical saxophonist. Later I studied jazz at the University of North Texas where I learned several different approaches to playing both Jazz and Classical music from a number of excellent private teachers. My professional experience has led me to an approach that focuses on maximizing the impact one can make in a given musical interaction, both with audience members, as well as fellow performers.
How do you learn to produce a sound? How do you learn how to play a melody? Learning how to learn is the first priority. I prefer to demonstrate rather than describe an action. Too often, while I was growing up, my teacher would describe in great detail what I should be doing with my stomach, lungs, or mouth etc. I find this to be a less effective approach than demonstrating, and helping the student craft their own exercise to achieve a goal.
I received a Bachelor or Music from the University of North Texas in 1994. Throughout the 90's and early 2000's, I toured with several different original bands. For the largest part of my career I worked as Musical Director and Saxophonist on various cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P & O, and Crystal Cruises. I have also worked in technical capacity as the Production Manager for Crystal Cruises, as well in the creation, planning and production of onboard shows.
Beginners: Rubank method books.
Intermediate: Ferling - 48 etudes, H. Klose 25 daily exercises, Niehaus Jazz Conception for Saxophone
Advanced: Rascher - Top Tones for Saxophone, Charlie Parker Omnibook in C, RealBooks in C