Saxophone Lessons in South Orange, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I love to see students grasp concepts.  It is extremely rewarding to see students understand a concept and be able to explain how neat it is to a parent or friend.  When I get a new student, I get to know exactly what their goals are.  We set long term goals, and we make progress by setting manageable short term goals every week.  I inspire the student to reach their goals by providing tools to help, and custom lesson plans that are fun and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner students, I typically start with rote lessons that teach the basics of the instruments. Then, I move into performing basic, pedagogically-appropriate scales, and begin curriculum in the Rubank Elementary Method books. For more advanced students, I usually have them start with the intermediate or advanced method books, and we learn more advanced major and minor scales, followed by arpeggios and chords (if on piano.) Overall, my main objective is for students to have fun and make meaningful connections. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

Ideally, I prefer to work with younger children because it is at this stage in life that they are most musically receptive; I believe it is important for a budding musician to love their craft and - regardless of age, technical skill can only take one so far in the arts. I have seen far too many musicians abandon their gift for the mundane, due to distorted visions of incompetence and unwarranted deceptions of grandeur. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style is seasoned but spontaneous. By that I mean that at this point I have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. I have a proven repertoire of exercises and advice that have helped students and will continue to do so. But every student has a unique set of needs, so I am excited to throw away the 'play book' at the first sign that it's not working. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes all the way back to my senior year of high school teaching not only my students at the Chatham school of rock but also my peers in high school as well as college. My philosophy is simple, music is taught best through experience. Technique books, and etudes have their place for the basics but I believe there is no substitute for putting on a backing track and getting to playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

I encourage practice, whether it's one hour a day, 5 minutes a day or somewhere in between, but I understand that contemporary students (especially in New York City) have many obligations in terms of academic and extracurricular activities. It is in knowing this, my first goal is to make the lesson fun and relaxed and never a chore or a source of pressure or anxiety for students or parents. The lesson should be a fun and safe place to learn about and to play music! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am a saxophonist, composer, and teacher based in Brooklyn. I have been fortunate to perform all over the world, including recent tours in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Panama, and Costa Rica; and has shared the stage with many great artists, including Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, Ralph Thomas (Sun Ra Arkestra, Quincy Jones), Benjamin Koen (David Murray, Cecil Taylor), Yessaï Karapetian, Opor Red, R&B singer Allen Stone, and singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer. Read More