Saxophone Lessons in Brockport, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am aware of the many people that have a great desire to learn about music. I view it as a language. Once you are able to read write and speak (singing or playing) you are fluent in music. I graduated from the Eastman School of music in 1977 and have played in several bands and sung in a multitude of singing groups during my life. I have taught music in all its forms for 40 years. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students having fun learning and playing music. Furthermore, being encouraging and acknowledging their accomplishments builds discipline, confidence and desire to continue to play music. For me, seeing this happen brings me joy! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The first thing a teacher must do is figure out how to motivate a student to practice. This can be done differently for different students. I will list some things that I have found that work. 1) Set a practice schedule/timer/alarm 2) I work on mindset and practice techniques to reduce practice session frustration/anxiety and increase positivity and feel good emotions 3) The student selects songs to practice in addition to scales, lesson book or repertoire 4) Parental support and priority 5) Listening to music outside of lesson 6) Practice one concept at a time 7) Limit faster passages to smaller groups of notes, practice slow with different patterns. 8) more in lesson!....... Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

Feeling and noticing that there has been gradual success is key to inspiring students to continue with their instrument. Playing a musical instrument presents numerous challenges mentally, physically, and sometimes emotionally. It is equally up to the teacher and the student to recognize the growth that has occured week to week. As long as the work is being put forth by both parties, finding success (even if small) will not be a difficult feat. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute

I will work with each student to help them understand the fundamentals of jazz, for example, knowing major scales, minor scales, and all of the modes that we typically see in most jazz repertoire. For students that are more advanced we will work on learning how to play over common chord progressions and learn how to play songs found in the Great American Songbook. For students at a higher level, we can work on cementing more advanced techniques such as how to play over chord substitutions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I played many solo performances, joined wind ensemble, played in the All-State band each year and went to the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Toward the end of High School, I grew a new taste for guitar and silently practiced it behind my saxophone, in college, until I was good enough to perform with it. Now I've played shows all around upstate New York as a lead guitarist in several bands and released an album with my primary band, Baker Street. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning children, I typically like to use the Alfred series of beginner books depending on the instrument. I also like the students to rely on their ears just as equally, so the other half of the lesson is usually dedicated to learning music without relying on reading music. Of course, this is all dependent on the student's needs or prior experience. More importantly, I want to teach the student what they are truly interested in with music, and I have plenty of material to discuss if they are unsure of this interest. Read More