About Aaron Adams
Aaron Adams is a saxophone and clarinet performing artist, as well as a music educator. He has a wide range of performance experience, from jazz ensembles, wind symphonies and orchestras to saxophone quartets. Aaron has studied under several well known single-reed musicians, including Dr. Thomas Snydacker, the current soloist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Gregory Barrett, professor of clarinet at Northern Illinois University; Dr. Jeff Seigfried, professor of saxophone at West Virginia University; and Dr. Jun Watabe, professor of saxophone and clarinet at Colorado Mesa University. Aaron holds a Masters in Music and a post-graduate Performer’s Certificate from Northern Illinois University. His academic interests include transcription of classical works for saxophone, non-profit music education for children in remote communities, and general music pedagogy.
As an educator, Aaron enjoys working with students of all ages, skill sets, and instrument specialties. He offers basic music education, music theory, jazz theory, preparation for state and solo competitions, and advanced work in saxophone or clarinet. For more information about lesson packages, see the Lessons page.
Teaching Experience
10 years Teaching Private Lessons in Saxophone Performance
Woodwind Technology for Music Education
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb IL
Taught saxophone pedagogy, scales and basic repertoire, construction and care of the instrument, and ‘how to teach saxophone’ to undergraduate music education students.
Substitute Teacher for K-12 Music Classes
Unalaska City School, Unalaska AK
Taught general music theory to elementary school children, conducted and directed 3 wind bands for students across middle and high school over 3-week period.
Notable Performances
Capstone Graduate Saxophone Recital, Northern Illinois University
“Sonate Un Ut#” by F. Decruck
“Concertino da Camera” by J. Ibert
“Fantasia for Alto Saxophone” by C. Smith
“Concerto” by I. Dahl
“Eine Kleine Bach Musik”, Northern Illinois University Graduate Recital
Transcription of baroque-era Bach music originally scored for cello, violin and flute on baritone and soprano saxophone.
“BWV 1007 Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major” by J.S. Bach
“BWV 1006 Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major” by J.S. Bach
“BWV 1013 Flute Partita in A Minor” by J.S. Bach
Northern Illinois University Concerto Competition
Winner; “Concertino da Camera” by J. Ibert
Northern Illinois University Chamber Choir
Featured soloist; “Bruremarsj fra Sorfold” by B.A. Drage
Senior Recital for Completion of BA in Music
“Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” by C. Debussy
“Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano” by R. Muczynsky
“Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” by A. Glazunov
“Concertino da Camera” by J. Ibert
Colorado Mesa University Jazz Band
Featured soloist; “In Your Tender Care” by Boulevard Big Band
Colorado Mesa University Orchestra
Featured soloist; “American in Paris” by George Gershwin