Saxophone Lessons in Spencer Estates, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Dependent on the instrument, I generally use essential musical workbooks as well as my own scales and exercises that create a better base to suppliment the workbooks.  I find that these general books are useful to keep the student's growth on track, however, my own sound exercises alllow wind players to usually progress at a quicker rate.  For more advanced students, once we have discussed what each student hopes to get out of their lessons and what they generally see themselves doing with their instruments in the next few years, we can decide what pieces to work on and what skills to develop. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I enjoy hearing the students natural abilities, understanding what kind of music pours out of them, acknowledge that, and from there we develop it. At the same time, direct the student with technique, theory and any other tools that will facilitate the music they are passionate about. Give the students homework, let them know that there is always another step, to lead by example!  As a trumpet player it is very important to establish a healthy routine that will build your tone, endurance that in the end you understand enough so you can teach and always evaluate yourself. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I approach each student individually, working with strengths and addressing weaknesses in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Individual musical interests (such as jazz, pop, classical, or rock genres) are incorporated into each lesson, helping to streamline and facilitate the learning process. Lessons focus on:Beginning students learn to make music from the first lesson starting with simplesongs, and eventually withme joining in playing duets at each lesson. Tone production Finger technique Music notation Rhythm Sight reading Playing by ear Phrasing and interpretation Improvisation At each lesson we work with short term goals, leading to long term improvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate about inspiring love for music in my students, and creating a supportive private lesson experience from which students find enjoyment and the motivation to develop their talents. Lesson plans are tailored to the interests of each individual student, so that their musical progress is a fun process that the student is enthusiastic about. I provide a friendly, encouraging atmosphere paired with expectations to reach realistic goals we set together. 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 Saxophone

I have been a professional musician and music teacher for almost 20 years. In 2016, I graduated with a doctorate in saxophone performance from Texas Christian University. At TCU, I studied saxophone with Joe Eckert. He is a well-known jazz and classical saxophonist and was the lead alto and director of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble of the US Air Force, for 20 years. I have traveled as a performer for several years, and I have recorded multiple major label projects with various Latin music groups. Read More