Mark DeCesare

Hi, I’m Mark DeCesare, a professional saxophonist and music educator. I offer saxophone and beginner voice lessons with clear instruction, an encouraging atmosphere, and goals that help students hear their own progress.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023, graduating cum laude. I have three years of classroom music teaching experience, including K–3 general music and directing a seventh and eighth-grade chorus of approximately 200 students. I also taught lessons at IUP from 2019 to 2021.

Working with young learners has taught me how much the right explanation, a musical game, or a small success can matter. I bring that experience to individual lessons, helping students develop their skills and become more confident making music.

I want students to feel comfortable trying, asking questions, and making mistakes as they learn. Lessons have a clear goal, with short activities that help students hear, understand, and use a new skill. I adjust the pace and explanations to the learner’s experience and interests.

For beginning saxophone students, we can work on producing a sound, learning fingerings, reading rhythms, and putting those skills into simple music. Beginner voice lessons use songs, listening activities, and simple pitch and rhythm exercises to build confidence and musicianship.

Younger learners can expect musical games and opportunities to sing, clap, or move. At the end of a lesson, I’ll review what we worked on and give a small, specific activity to practice before we meet again.