Saxophone Lessons in Clifton Heights, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first began teaching upon the completion of my undergraduate studies in 2004. At that time the majority of my students were beginners in their first or second year of playing. By 2008 I had completed the first of my two graduate degrees in music. With this accomplishment the students seeking lessons with me generally became older, typically in the junior high and high school ages. It has been my priveldge to help some of these students reach their goals of becoming university and college music majors and scholarship recipients. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My name is Stephen and I’m a passionate saxophonist, composer, and arranger. In May 2019, I graduated from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, earning a Bachelors degree in Jazz Studies (saxophone performance) as well as an honors certificate with accompanying 40 page thesis on jazz composition. I've had the distinct honor of being able to study with jazz legends Ralph Bowen and Victor Lewis, amongst many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone

My teaching experience began in my post undergraduate college days. After graduation, I began studying at a studio called Jazz Improv with a Master's level instructor. One of his students asked for a saxophone teacher and the party was referred to me. I was then able to obtain a second saxophone student; I have also had two piano students when teaching. I enjoyed teaching music and it is something I look forward to getting back to as I attempted to acquire students on my own with minimal success. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I should start off by saying each student is unique, and since the lessons are one on one, my approach to each student will be unique. That being said, there are certain skill-sets and areas of focus that every student should learn. For complete beginners, I start off with technique. What is good posture? What is good hand position? How do you form a proper embouchure and produce a supported airstream? Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

While my lessons are catered to each individual student, each follows a general curriculum that I have developed over the years through teaching. Method books are a great structured way to quickly get confident on an instrument, however they don't often encourage listening skills or creativity. This is why I structure my lessons around particular method books like Rubank or Faber while providing additional pieces, exercises, and improvising to supplement the book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My love for music began when I was in fourth grade, and had a teaher that provided me with such a positive experience that I could not see my life with out music in it! I want to give students the same kind of positive experience I experienced! I hope to inspire students, and spark their passion for music! In 2013, I graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Read More