Saxophone Lessons in Cliffwood, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My teaching experience has been quite rewarding and varied over the years. Every student has a unique and special passion that has drawn them into music and I make sure to acknowledge that in order to maintain that spirit even when a task is in front of them. My main focus is the technical aspect of the instrument, helping the student discover how it works for them, so they can shape the music the best way possible. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a passionate musician and educator who is dedicated to helping students not only learn to play their instrument but to become a well-rounded musician. I love working with students of all ages and sharing my experience and love of classical, jazz and world music styles. I graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance and Music Education, and went on to receive a Master of Music degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from Manhattan School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Dependent on the instrument, I generally use essential musical workbooks as well as my own scales and exercises that create a better base to suppliment the workbooks.  I find that these general books are useful to keep the student's growth on track, however, my own sound exercises alllow wind players to usually progress at a quicker rate.  For more advanced students, once we have discussed what each student hopes to get out of their lessons and what they generally see themselves doing with their instruments in the next few years, we can decide what pieces to work on and what skills to develop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

my experiences as a musician include performing in both classical and jazz groups in every venue imaginable. These performances include recital halls, banquet halls, school auditoriums, night clubs, bars, restaurants, weddings, parties, church ceremonies, community theater and parades. I encourage my students to practice like I practice and to perform as often as they can. I play classical music every day and I like for my students to study a classical piece because it helps them develop technique rapidly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I use a few different method books, and while they are very useful for attaining the building blocks of technique and knowledge young and beginning musicians need but I like to go beyond what reading books has to offer. My goal is to show my students everything there is - reading, theory, and technique are all important but so is creation, improvisation, learning through sound and finding what inspires them. Read More