"I started taking lessons before mid-state auditions in 2019. Due to these, I was able to go in more confidently than if I hadn’t had any one-on-one instruction. For example, I was playing part of the audition pieces completely incorrectly and didn't know it before lessons. Even though I didn’t make it in any way that year, I was more prepared than I would have been had I just gone in without help. After this, I kept taking lessons and got better from it. I was not comfortable playing scales in more difficult keys (A flat, C sharp etc.) and minor scales, but now I am able to at least try them. Overall, I feel that my ability to play and my comfort towards playing more challenging things has been greatly improved through lessons.
-Tucker McCormick, current 9th grade saxophonist and mid-state alternate in 2021.