​​SAXOPHONE STUDIO
HISTORY

John Spillett has established a reputable saxophone studio with a long history of successful private teaching. Mr. Spillett has multiple decades of teaching and performing experience in classical, jazz, and contemporary saxophone styles. His private saxophone students have consistently achieved gold ratings for outstanding solo performance from the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as well as acceptance to county and state honors ensembles including NYSSMA Conference All State ensembles. Mr. Spillett’s private students have been accepted as saxophone music majors at the Eastman School of Music, University of Michigan, Ithaca College, Syracuse University, SUNY Potsdam, University of Maryland, University of Cincinnati, SUNY Geneseo, The College of Saint Rose (Albany), Nazareth College (Rochester), Onondaga Community College, and the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. Many of his former private students attended college on full and partial music scholarships, and many have attained part-time and full-time careers in music performance and music education. 

SAXOPHONE STUDENTS
Mr. Spillett has taught students from the following Central New York schools and school districts: Baldwinsville, Bishop Ludden, Cato-Meridian, Cazenovia, Central Square, Christian Brothers Academy, Diocese of Syracuse, Fayetteville-Manlius, Jamesville-Dewitt, Liverpool, Manlius Pebble Hill, Marcellus, Onondaga Central, Solvay, and West Genesee. He has also instructed students from Onondaga Community College, Le Moyne College and SUNY Potsdam as well as home-schooled and adult students.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Lessons are offered at all proficiency levels, beginning through advanced. Instruction is custom tailored to the age, skill level, needs, and goals of each individual student. Students take a weekly or bi-weekly private lesson lasting 45 or 60 minutes in length. Lessons are taught in the classical and/or jazz style, focusing on fundamentals, scales, sight reading, aural skills, etudes, and solo repertoire. 
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TOPICS OF STUDY AND MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Topics of Study include Fundamentals, Tone quality, Embouchure, Breathing, Finger Technique, Articulation, Vibrato, Intonation, Scales, Modes, Aural skills, Music theory, Sight-reading, Pulse, Musical terminology, Classical and Jazz sound and style concept, Playing by ear, Improvisation, Chord/Scale relationship, and Form.