Clarinet Lessons in Cortlandt, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning young students I prefer the Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone, clarinet and flute, and my own (unpublished) method for recorder. For older beginners, there are many books on the market. I'll work with what the student perfers. For more advanced students there are classic works such as Klose for clarinet or saxophone, solo works for competition or performance, or just for fun. I want recorder students to learn the 2 basic sets of fingering, since ensemble playing usually requires changing instruments. 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I had a very unique opportunity to be mentored by the legendary drummer/bandleader/NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton. I spent a lot of time with him on and off the stage. I was observing and loving all of these moments on tour and in the studio. I learned so many things from him, most importantly what it means to be a teacher. In order to teach, one should never stop learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

Joey R. is a Brooklyn-based saxophonist and educator from Riverwoods, IL. He found his love for music at the age of nine while hearing John Coltranes monumental solo on Giant Steps. It was in this moment that Joey began his lifelong journey in sound. Joeys years in school were fruitful; he shared the stage with Patti Austin, Shelly Berg, Gloria Estefan, Alan Ferber, Quincy Jones, Brian Lynch, Barry Manilow, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Charlie Watts, and John Williams. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My greatest joy as a teacher is seeing students fall in love with music and find great joy and fulfillment playing their instruments! I pay close attention to the student's experience and tailor lesson content and goals to match individual needs and learning styles. I aim to cultivate an atmosphere of encouragement, commitment, inspiration and motivation that keeps students wanting to spend quality time with their instrument and learn to play the music that they most enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For young beginners on wind instruments, I really focus on getting a good sound out of the instrument first. Then, I have them learn simple songs by ear to strengthen their relationship with the instrument. At the same time, I will teach them how to read music if necessary. I like to use the Rubank or the Sound Innovations band method books to start with. For my piano students, I go over posture and hand position first, in addition to the basics of the keyboard and fingerings for scales. Read More