Saxophone Lessons in Borough Of Ridgefield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I started teaching in high school and then decided to pursue degrees in performance and music education. At UNH I taught lessons part time for four years.  I always put students needs and schedules first and met them either in my studio or at their home.  I encourage all of my students to practice at home using techniques that are effective.  I engage my students each lesson, ensuring they are constantly improving as well as enjoying their musical experience.  It is my duty as an educator to pass my love of music onto my pupils.  My students are of all ages and skill levels.  I encourage them to enter competitions and recitals, train their ears, learn about music history, and have musical intentions whenever they play.  I will help my students to achieve any level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

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. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger and beginning students, I typically start with technique exercises that focus on producing a strong and clean sound on the instrument, and ensure that the base technique is solidified. We will then work through various technique and work books until the student is at a level where they can choose the music that interests them most. For adults and more advanced students, I like to gear the lessons toward what they want to learn, and provide them with the tools they need to reach their goals. 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: Saxophone Music

For beginning students I always start by asking what they hope to gain or what attracts them to music. Having an understanding of an individuals needs is the first step. From there I follow with fundamentals using Rubank Elementary Method on their respective instrument. for someone who already has an understanding of their musical goals I accommodate my lesson plans based on their current state along with adding exercises that will help ease any difficulties they may be having. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

On the basis of one's skill and prior experience, I will devise a plan starting with ideas of fundamental musical ideas (scales, arpeggios, key signatures, reading music) all the way to more advanced concepts of harmony and placement. Having the opportunity to hear a student's wishes will help me align myself with their goals and intentions musically which will inform my concepts. While there is an expectation that the student gives assistance in their difficulties to decide what is best for them, there also will be a thorough diagnosis of skills and weaknesses, for a better learning experience. Read More