Paul Mundy

Paul Mundy, Saxophone

Preferred student age: Any

Preferred student level: Any

What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
The most important thing I want to impart to my students is an enjoyment, love, and excitement for music that they will always carry with them.  The process of learning music can make a child a better and more enthusiastic learner.  This helps them be more successful and happy in whatever they choose to do.

Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be important to share with prospective students?
I believe that students play better if they are taught a comprehensive approach to music.  In addition to teaching a particular instrument, I incorporate elements of music theory, ear training, and I guide students to listen to certain music, and listen in a certain way.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I find music endlessly fun and fascinating!  To share this with someone else is very enjoyable.  I also enjoy that I am doing something that impacts other people's lives in a positive way.

Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood.
I am currently working on a music education degree at VanderCook College of Music.  I also play professionally in the Chicago area.

What is your earliest musical experience or memory?
My mother and father both sang around the house a lot.  My mother, who grew up in France, would sing in French, and my father sang a lot of folk songs.

Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
My favorite teacher/mentor was a highly skilled saxophonist who also had a very creative way of playing and thinking about music.  It was a great experience to hear him play and absorb his perspective.

Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite musical period?
I have very ecclectic tastes in music.  There are too many composers I appreciate and admire to mention.  I take interest in all periods of music.