Saxophone studies form an integral part of The European Academy of Arts music program. Many students begin their musical journey learning how to play saxophone, one of the most versatile musical instruments.

Lessons are conducted individually. Teaching faculty is chosen to best suit the needs and abilities of a new student.

All saxophone lessons also involve music theory, and other related activities such as sightreading and ear training. Additional courses are offered to help strengthen a student’s grasp of those subjects.

All individual saxophone lessons are taught in clean and modern classrooms with acoustic pianos that are regularly tuned and maintained - something many competitors are unable to provide. Our faculty is highly professional and dedicated to sharing as much of their knowledge as possible with their students.

Our Faculty

Featured

Dr. Mark Runkles, oboe, saxophone

Appointed in 2015 as an Instructor of Oboe and Saxophone with Opus Community Music School (Opus), Principal Oboe with the Freedom Philharmonic, and Faculty Clinician with the Academy of St. Cecilia Youth Orchestra (ASCYO) in Damascus, Mark Runkles completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Oboe Performance at UNLV. In 2013, Dr. Runkles published the culmination of his doctoral research, a critical edition of Gustave Vogt’s 4ème Solo de Concert, with TrevCo Music Publishing. Dr. Runkles became the Artistic Director at Opus in 2018. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Oboe Performance and Master of Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Iowa and his Bachelor of Arts in Oboe Performance from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Dr. Runkles has been a featured oboe and saxophone soloist with the Clazzical Project, Carroll Concert Band, Carroll County Jazz Band, Carroll Singers, Freedom Philharmonic, ASCYO, and Liberty High School Symphonic and Jazz Bands. He formed the Twin Arch Duo, which plays a mixture of standards and his own contemporary jazz compositions, with guitarist Charlie Trapp in 2013. In 2008, Dr. Runkles performed a series of Jazz Vespers services in Scotland. He served as the Assistant Principal Oboe with the Chesapeake Orchestra from 1999–2004 and performed on 2nd Oboe with the Las Vegas Philharmonic from the winter of 2009 through 2012. Dr. Runkles is an oboe student of Stephen Caplan, Mark Weiger, and Vladimir Lande and a saxophone student of John Rapson and Don Stapleson. Follow Dr. Runkles on his blog, Dr. Mark’s Music Notes (https://drmarksmusicnotes.wordpress.com), and his YouTube channel.

Kenny Baik, saxophone

Adjunct Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Ensemble at Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus (2019-present)

Saxophonist, Maryland Army National Guard Band (2014-present)

Saxophonist, The Marine Corps Band in Quantico (2004-2007)

Doctor of Musical Arts, Candidate at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (2016-present)

Performed at the Mansion at Strathmore, Johns Hopkins University’s Shriver Hall, the Peabody Institute, Seoul Arts Center, Lotte Hall in South Korea, 2007 Super Bowl XLI, Cherry Blossom Parade and Governor’s Inauguration.