Saxophone Lessons in Bay Shore, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

One of the most valuable life skills that music lessons can impart is the skill of objective self-analysis. This means being honest with oneself, both about areas that need improvement (weaknesses), but also existing strengths! I encourage students to use this skill in a musical context, with the hope that they then carry it out into other parts of their lives. My greatest strength as a teacher is my flexibility- I make sure to prepare for every lesson, but if a student comes in with a curveball that takes the lesson in a new direction, I'm happy to go with the flow, and to try and build and expose the deeper relationships between different areas of music and the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been teaching music lessons, both on a freelance basis and at the Laconia Music Center, since graduating college in the Spring of 2009. I have also been playing woodwind instruments in a professional capacity since that time. My work as a performer informs my work as an educator and vice-versa. I am afforded the great luxury of musical dynamism by living in New York City, and I am as comfortable in a jazz club as I am reading classical music, or in the horn section of a funk band. 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 Recorder

I taught piano and recorder for over 10 years at Church Street School for Music and Art in Tribeca, and have worked as a teaching artist with The New York POPS since 1992. Currently Im coaching a jazz ensemble at an NYC public middle school and am working with kids that might not have the resources to study privately. Over the summer, I worked at a summer program with some special needs kids where I created and implemented a music appreciation program. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important and rewarding aspect of teaching for me is ensuring that my students enjoy playing their instrument and develop a strong passion for their craft. Each student will need to work at their own pace, as everyone learns in a different way. Therefore, I encourage all of my students to set realistic goals and outline a practice routine and regiment that will not only allow them to reach their goals, but exceed them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began my teaching days informally when I was still a student at Fairport High School. Some family friends wanted to learn how to play saxophone, so I began teaching them. Next thing I knew, I had a small-time music studio in my parents' basement! I was teaching saxophone as well as jazz improvisation at that time. I took a break from teaching when I went to college, and began teaching again the summer after I graduated. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I have a unique process when dealing with students because I didn't study privately until I got to college. Read More