Saxophone Lessons in City Island, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Hello! I am a freelance jazz saxophonist and woodwind player living in Jersey City. In 2016, I graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in jazz saxophone performance. I am passionate about all things music. Whenever I am performing, playing, teaching, practicing, talking about, or listening to, music... that is where I want to be! I have played and performed many styles of music all across New Jersey and New York, from jazz at Dizzy's in New York, to classic rock at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, to pit orchestra music at various playhouses in New Jersey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

There are many different methods, practices, and philosophies that one can use when teaching drumming, and the most effective approach will depend on the individual student and their needs and goals. Here is a general overview of some approaches that I might use when teaching drumming: 1. Begin with the basics: Before diving into more complex rhythms and techniques, it's important to establish a solid foundation of basic drumming skills. This might include proper hand and foot technique, basic rhythms, and an understanding of the different parts of the drum set. 2. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo

Effectiveness is key when practicing so I have always encouraged multiple practice sessions a day but smaller amounts of time (15-20 minutes) so that you can really improve and see changes in your playing and musicality. This also helps keep the student from becoming frustrated and developing a negative relationship with the piece, practicing, or music in general. I would like to assist and encourage my students to enter contests, recitals, and NYSSMA as well as compose their own material so they can stay motivated and feel accomplished while challenging themselves. 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I like to make things fun and cater to each student's abilities and needs. I like to work from books with beginning students because music literacy is very important to me. As students develop, I begin ear training and diving deeper into music theory when necessary. I think in order to grow as a musician you need to play music that inspires you and I aim to have all students wanting to practice because they are excited about their repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

When I teach beginners, I put my faith in the Hal Leonard Standard of Excellence series for woodwinds. For Pianist, the Suzuki series is quite good, as well as A Dozen A Day and the tried and true Mikrokosmos of Bela Bartok. For more advanced players, I like to work within their preferred style, ie RB, Rock, Classical, but also find it important draw relevant material from other styles like Jazz and non-Western music. Read More