Today, in honour of UNESCO World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the tremendous impact of one of Canada’s finest saxophone instructors. Here we have a pedagogue who maximized every resource and opportunity at hand to establish professional standards amongst her disciples. Great teachers help their students to love music, but it takes a SPECTACULAR teacher to […]
Walking on Sunshine
There was a time in my twenties when each and every day started with a ten kilometre run. Yup, you guessed it, I was underemployed. But I was physically fit and happy as a fiddle. With that kind of start, nothing could wreck my day. Well, those times are over. And I couldn’t be more […]
What Games Shall We Play Today?
Saxophone instruction is not light work. One has to believe and believe BIG. Helping someone discover just how much mettle they possess is a feeling that I can only describe as tout à fait incroyable. I recently received a little note: “…Thank you for turning saxophone into a hobby instead of a chore for me […]
Charles Stolte
True Confessions It was my first quartet rehearsal. I was already in the room when he arrived. Messy blond curls, worn-down Birkenstocks, crinkly eyes, warm smile. Introductions followed and I could tell he was the real deal. I was completely at ease; it was like I had known him my entire life. From that point […]
Sax-O-Phun
Musician First, Saxophonist Second is a popular mindset amongst the smart-set. “Pshaw!” I say. My heart belongs to the saxophone. Be honest—doesn’t yours? Honouring Your Intuition There is a reason you are not a tubist. Or a banjoist. What was your first instrument? Surely it was the voice, widely considered the greatest instrument of all. […]
One Nation Under A Groove
Serious Teacher: “I’m afraid I can’t teach you next week; I’ll be cancelling your lesson.” Students Gasps: “What?” Very Serious Teacher: “I am a member of NASA and I’ll be going to a conference.” Confused and Surprised Student: “You are?” Very, Very Serious Teacher Turns To Lock Eyes on Student: “Yes. I belong to the […]