Saxophone Lessons in Battery Park City, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a method book (my method book preference varies depending on the instrument). At the early stages, the fundamentals of music are essential. My philosophy of music is that any student is capable of achieving anything they want, as long as they put their mind to it and they work hard. I started playing the saxophone in second grade; however, there were basic fundamentals that I was still learning in college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

I begin my teaching by gauging the student's current ability; once it has been recognised, I then inquire about what it is the student wishes to accomplish under my tutelage. I weed out any early misgivings by trying to get the student to settle for realistic goals. Aiming too high can often overwhelm individuals, and it is a mistake I like to avoid in my teaching, especially in a field as emotionally demanding as music. 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

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

I strongly believe that all students are capable of learning an instrument and while there are some basic tenets to learning music, every student has their own style of learning in terms of pace and physical ability. It is up to me the instructor to find the best way to present the lesson. My teaching style is characterized by creating a relaxed and fun environment where my own passion for music helps inspire the student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start beginners off with the Rubank Elementary Method, which introduces reading, scales, arpeggios, and expressive devices such as dynamics and articulation. I also like students to start with improvisation, composition, and ear training as soon as possible. I encourage them to both work on whatever repertoire interests them and find new types of music they don't know they're interested in yet. More advanced students may progress to some of the more advanced music theory, technical etude books, and scale/arpeggio exercises. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

Depending on the individual needs goals of each student, I will customize lesson plans on a week-to-week basis. If there are no immediate goals for my students, I prefer to focus on classical technique and tone exercises that I compile through a variety of method books for each woodwind instrument. This includes but is not limited to: Moyse, Kroepsch, Baermann, Ferling, Shaw, Filas, Lacour, and many others. Classical technique is boring however, and I also believe that it should be applied towards learning real music that I will tailor to each student! 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