Q&A with Willem Moolenbeek, Alto Sax Teacher of the Year

We asked Lessonface Teachers of the Year about their process and goals for 2025. Here are the responses of Willem Moolenbeek, our alto sax teacher of the year for 2024.

What are the lasting takeaways you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

There are many musical considerations that make for a great performance. The top four priorities that we must always be mindful of are, in this order:

1. Strive for the best quality sound. You will enjoy your playing more and so will the listeners.
2. Understand the rhythms of the piece you are playing. The notes have to be in the right place in time.
3. Know the notes and the best fingering options.
4. Play the articulation as written in the score. This is the way a phrase is pronounced. Do this from the start of learning the piece because it is frustrating to relearn.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had?

The smart phone has given everyone access to tools that were often expensive and cumbersome when I was starting. All these are available as apps.

1. Metronome. Playing music in time is essential. This tool will be used in many ways. The metronome is always right and it's never wrong.
2. Tuner. Get one that will tell you what note you are playing and that will also produce a selected pitch/tone to hear and match with your instrument.
3. Recording device. A great deal can be learned from hearing yourself playing the music you are working on.

Learn more with Willem Moolenbeek.