Saxophone Lessons in College Point, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Lessons are positive and laid back.  An atmosphere is created to be able to ask any question. Lessons are comprehensive, meaning that they both play to the student's strengths while addressing any weaknesses or information that is typically skipped over in public school simply due to lack of time and having the students on an individual basis.  Lessons are not just theory oriented, but more performing oriented.  There is always a solo to play or duet to sight read. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

I encourage practice, whether it's one hour a day, 5 minutes a day or somewhere in between, but I understand that contemporary students (especially in New York City) have many obligations in terms of academic and extracurricular activities. It is in knowing this, my first goal is to make the lesson fun and relaxed and never a chore or a source of pressure or anxiety for students or parents. The lesson should be a fun and safe place to learn about and to play music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

I do, however, allow diversion and conversation in lessons. If there is a song that may explain the musical idea, we will stop and listen. If a young child wants to relay a story from school they thought of because of our practice, I will stop and listen. I may also speak in depth about musical history, style, or even the psychology of music. I think this combination draws students into the mind of a musician, and gets them to start thinking like one. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In addition to helping me improve my facility with the saxophone, Paul helped me develop a solid pedagogy for the instrument. At Queens I also devised a curriculum for the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, a group which I founded and directed for one semester before graduating in 2012.   Since completing my masters degree, I've continued teaching privately, and performing with my groups, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. I perform around 80 shows a year, both in the New York Area and touring nationally. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My lessons vary from student to student, but are generally comprised of two parts. The first part involves working out a method book or classical etude book, depending on the level of the student. I believe that working out of a book is a great way to cover many of the fundamental bases of being an instrumentalist, such as reading music, developing technique, developing a good sound, playing with good rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I am a saxophone player, composer, and educator based in upper Manhattan. I grew up in Massachusetts, where I attended the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, and later went to the University of Manitoba on a full scholarship to study with Jon Gordon. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I toured across Canada with several bands, and then moved to New York to continue my professional career. I have had the honor of playing in jazz festivals across Canada and in the States as well. Read More