Kate M.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that the student determines what direction music instruction should take. The teacher should listen to what the student desires musically, and adapt to what he or she would like to accomplish.

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

There is no “right” way to teach; I think listening to the student and really paying attention to what they want to learn is most important for successful instruction. My experience with playing many different musical genres, including jazz, classical, rock, improvisational music, etc., makes me a versatile musician and teacher. Also the fact that I am a consistently working performer in New York City helps make my teaching relevant.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Nine years. Prior to teaching, I attended Stony Brook University for Jazz Saxophone performance, and the University of Vermont for Jazz saxophone performance.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

I take pride in having performed in over 350 gigs in New York City in the last five years, as well as recording a solo album and being featured on multiple recordings, including LPs.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

I had one student who was very shy and unsure of herself when she first started her lessons. But after a couple of months she became much more confident in her abilities and it showed in the way she played. One day after a lesson, she told me she couldn’t have “blossomed musically” (her words, not mine!) without my help. I almost cried because it showed me what an important role I, as a teacher, had played in her life.

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

Germany is a favorite of mine. I love its culture and arts scene. I was surprised to discover quite a few excellent live jazz clubs in Berlin. We think of jazz as a typically American genre, but I found that it is beloved and enjoyed by people of many nationalities.

What languages do you speak?

I speak English and a little German.

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

John Coltrane, because he has been my idol and favorite saxophonist since childhood. I’ve listened to all his albums; I have a particular affinity for “Blue Train,” which he released in 1958.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I am also a writer and have published a book of poetry. I find that writing and music have much in common — both require creativity, soul-searching, and imagination.

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

Pill, The Velvet Underground, Morton Feldman