Stephen G
4.5
(7)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Stephen G
4.5
(7)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
MM, New York University, Jazz Studies BM, William Paterson University, Jazz Studies
I have over 25 years experience teaching Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and beginner-intermediate Piano to children and adults of all ages. I am active in the NYC jazz and improvised music scenes, and have toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe including concerts in Sweden, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, and Portugal. I have a Masters of Music degree from New York University, and a Bachelors degree from William Paterson University (NJ). I have taught at educational institutions including; Drew University in Madison New Jersey (saxophone, improvisation, and jazz ensemble); The International School of Brooklyn teaching music to children ages 3 to 7 years utilizing the “Orff” method; and the “Kulanu” after-school enrichment program in Stamford CT, where I coached teen jazz and klezmer ensembles. This past school year I was on faculty at the SAR Academy in Riverdale New York, where I taught woodwind classes to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
I have been teaching since 1990. I like to keep lessons light-hearted, engaging, and fun. I believe that the most important lesson a student can learn is to love and enjoy playing music. Once this is accomplished the rest is easy! Students who learn to love playing an instrument enjoy practicing, progress rapidly, and continue to play music throughout their lives.I work with various band methods, tailored for each student's individual skill level and personal needs. If the student is a member of school concert band we also will also work with that material, ensuring that he/she can approach the music in school with confidence.
For beginning students I typically start with an elementary band method (Yamaha, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, etc..). We focus on basic tone production, finger technique, note reading, and playing simple songs. Once the student is comfortable we begin to work out of a duet book. This gives the student a chance to "perform" with me at each lesson, tends to accelerate progress, and is fun! For advanced students we can focus on particular areas of interest. Whether jazz, classical or popular music is your focus, refining various aspects of tone and technique are always incorporated into the learning process. Basic music theory, rhythm, and chordal structure are covered as the student progresses into more advanced studies, including sight-reading, memorization (songs/solos), and jazz improvisation.
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 simple songs, and eventually with me 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. As confidence and technical ability develop students cans explore more challenging songs, compositions, duets, and improvisation.
Cal Peyser
Top notch instruction. Steve has deep knowledge of jazz.
Sakurana Wat
I have 6-year-old girl who is a beginner for playing the Flute. He organizes each lesson logically so that my daughter can understnad how to make a better sound easier than before. Aalso as he is kind to her, she can take lessons seriously yet feeling relaxed.
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