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Reviews of Ryan Janus

• "Terrific Instruction"

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  • • 5/5 stars
  • Jordan VanHemert

  Review of Ryan Janus, February 09, 2009

  Ryan Janus was my saxophone teacher during a small portion of my high school career, but the things I learned from him have gone on to follow me for years. Ryan was always a patient teacher and always gave great constructive criticism. He taught me how to be technically proficient and more musical in my classical playing and also greatly improved my jazz playing. He started me doing all the right things--forming habits in high school that have helped me succeed in college, especially taking individual measures of music and mastering them, then piecing these parts together to form a whole piece. In addition to this, Ryan helped me through the logistics of music (in jazz especially). We talked about how to get gigs and many more aspects of music that are often forgotten by many other teachers. This advice from a seasoned veteran is something not to be taken for granted, and I appreciate every little piece of advice he gave me. Take saxophone lessons (or any other lesson, for that matter) from Ryan Janus--not only will you not be disappointed, you'll be very glad you did.

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• "Quite a great experience"

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  • • 4/5 stars
  • Michaela

  Review of Ryan Janus, February 01, 2009

  I have really enjoyed working with Ryan Janus. He is attentive in lessons and always has more advice. I have learned a bunch of technique from him that i would not have from other teachers. The only inconvenient thing is that sometimes he doesn't return your calls. But overall I have had a wonderful experience and hope to keep on working hard at the saxophone.

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  Teacher's Response:

  In my defense, it was the phone's fault (seriously), and she knows that now. :)

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  In my defense, it was the phone's fault (seriously), and she knows that now. :)

• "Professional Experience"

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  • • 4/5 stars
  • A satisfied parent

  Review of Ryan Janus, February 01, 2009

  Ryan Janus teaches students to be professional musicians from the beginning. As my son says he teaches more than just the notes. He stresses excellent practice behavior over immediate results. For example, he stresses mastering every measure of a piece instead of being able to play all the band music in a so-so manner. At times my son finds this a little frustrating, but ends up mastering the pieces. Having said that, Mr. Janus is also quite patient.

  In addition Mr. Janus brings vast knowledge and experience to the table, playing many different instruments well. Again this shapes his approach of making a good musician as opposed to a good oboe player or sax player.

  We have had a good experience with Mr. Janus as an Oboe teacher for a beginner. And I expect we will stay with Mr. Janus for a very long time.

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• "Fantastic for players of ALL skill"

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  • • 5/5 stars
  • Jon Van Regenmorter

  Review of Ryan Janus, January 30, 2009

  Ryan was my saxaphone teacher a few years in highschool, but in retrospect I'm VERY amazed at what he was able to teach me in those years.

  In a few years he gave me a great tone, technical proficiency (finger movements & speed), and an understanding of music theory in both Jazz & Classical. When I graduated high-school I had enough skill to obtain musical scholarships, play in competative bands, and even work professionally as a cruise ship musician.

  I'm not promissing the world, but he's very good. He was always trying new things to make me understand. Not everyone learns the same way and he understood that.

  In the end the best thing he tought me was how to enjoy playing and how to enjoy practicing.

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  Teacher's Response:

  Hey, Mr. Engineer - you misspelled saxOphone! :) Really, though, it's great to hear from you, and thanks so much for a great review. It means a lot to me.

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  Hey, Mr. Engineer - you misspelled saxOphone! :) Really, though, it's great to hear from you, and thanks so much for a great review. It means a lot to me.

• "A Wealth of Knowledge "

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  • • 5/5 stars
  • Derek Brown

  Review of Ryan Janus, January 30, 2009

  I took lessons from Ryan in college for both my classical and jazz saxophone chops. With any question or difficulty I had, he always had a great answer and multiple angles at which to help me understand. He's also an amazing double and player himself! He is highly recommended!

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