Teaching
Music is an art and a passion, a gift you share with others. I believe every student has musical capability that can be shaped and expressed in ways that build connection and elevate human consciousness.
Mission and Philosophy
I have a passion for developing students who discover the desire to pursue their gifts, often hidden until revealed...But I always hope to be fortunate enough for the opportunity to bring inspiration to those that persevere. Not every student is moved to music as a passion. My experience shows that exposure to musical intricacies and investing effort to develop musical expression benefits everyone connected to the student within their community. My students experience music in ways that open synapses, expand consciousness, and benefit their lives in whatever pursuit they choose. It is the Higher Ground that creates thinking, caring human beings that supports and connects us all.
Grant Reeves
Curriculum
I teach beginning through advanced flute and saxophone, as well as music theory and improvisation privately in Fair Oaks, CA for the last 20 years. I have over 40 years professional experience as a touring and recording musician, songwriter, teacher and award winning composer.
In my teaching experience I have worked with young aspiring musicians including an autistic student as well as instructing advanced students in improvisation including piano. I currently have twenty students at Folsom High School which is consistently rated as one of the best High School jazz ensembles in the nation by Downbeat Magazine.
The material(s) I use for instruction are focused on the needs of each individual. Beginning students will be exposed to embouchure and breathing techniques as well as developing strong and accurate facility from learning scales. I often utilize CD's to enhance the initial learning process and aid in musicality. Advanced students will continue to develop technique and musicality. Improvisation students will learn music theory and the application of theory to their instruments through the art of soloing (improvisation). Students will learn how to analyze chord symbols and use scales and modes to improvise over chord changes.
Study will include the use of pentatonics, major and minor scale harmony, diminished and whole tone scale harmony, as well as ‘playing outside’ using melodic cells, and an introduction to atonality or non-tonal music.
