Saxophone Lessons in Avon By The Sea, NJ

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 Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

I do, however, allow diversion and conversation in lessons. If there is a song that may explain the musical idea, we will stop and listen. If a young child wants to relay a story from school they thought of because of our practice, I will stop and listen. I may also speak in depth about musical history, style, or even the psychology of music. I think this combination draws students into the mind of a musician, and gets them to start thinking like one. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first love is jazz, and as such I have a strong love of improvisation and aural skills, which I believe are relevant in all forms of music (even Bach improvised!). Once some fundamental skills and theoretical knowledge is ascertained, I like to build on more advanced musical skills like learning songs by ear, being able to identify certain common chord progressions, helpful tips for memorizing pieces, and learning to personalize music through expressive techniques and improvisational application where appropriate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I began taking on private students while still in college at Temple University in Philadelphia. Although I was pursuing a degree in performance, taking on a studio of woodwind students while completing my studies helped me realize my passion for passing along my own knowledge and experience I have gained as a musician! Since then, I have maintained a regular teaching schedule combining both in-home and studio-based lessons. I am able to teach saxophone lessons of all levels, as well as beginner flute, clarinet, and piano lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

While Joey loves to preform, he is passionate about teaching. He has been teaching since 2011. His teaching career began through the non-profit Bravo Waukegan in their Bravo Buddies Summer Camp. He began as the woodwind instructor and through the years worked to become the Artistic Director, managing all aspects of the month long camp. Joey has also served as the Director of Bands for Sistema Ravinia in Lake County and has worked as a teaching artist with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

If following a school band's curriculum we can work on whatever book they require. To make lessons more personal we will move at the pace of the student, however most of the time their band director will have weekly playing assignments, It will be my goal to make sure each students is fully prepared for the assignment and for the more ambitious students, to go beyond. The student can come in with band music or we can find a music interest and strive towards improving while working on something they enjoy. Read More