Saxophone Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Recorder Music

I am professional musician trained in Jazz and Classical music, specializing in Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute. • Actively performing and composing music rooted in jazz, rock, and free improvisation genres. • Studied piano at five; by age twelve, played clarinet in a semi-professional children's pop ensemble, and toured internationally with a jazz and improvisational band led by the legendary Vladimir Tchekassin.   • Fluent in English, German, Lithuanian, and Russian languages. I seamlessly connect with students of different cultural backgrounds, quickly find common points of interest, and encourage individual uniqueness. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style is seasoned but spontaneous. By that I mean that at this point I have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. I have a proven repertoire of exercises and advice that have helped students and will continue to do so. But every student has a unique set of needs, so I am excited to throw away the 'play book' at the first sign that it's not working. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For my beginning students, I start off with Hal Leonard's Absolute Beginners - Alto Saxophone method book to start them off with the basic fundamentals of reading music and playing the saxophone. For my more advanced students, I introduce fundamental saxophone techniques as well as solo repertoire. For adults, I encourage them to come up with a set of goals, and I set up each lesson so that we meet these goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

There is nothing more gratifying for me than watching my students grow over time. I believe that success is achieved with a healthy balance of slow methodical practice and frequently playing fun and challenging music. I believe that every student is different and there is no right way to teach an instrument. I try to tailor my lessons to the student's special way of learning to ensure that our time together is well spent. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My ultimate goal is to help students develop a love for playing and being around music. The last thing I want is a discouraged student or one that has become bored with music. Therefore, I will set realistic goals for my students so that they are not overwhelmed, but at the same time are constantly engaged and challenged by the material. I like to teach both by ear and by reading music, which accommodates different learning styles a student may have. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

Incidentally, I started teaching when I was still learning myself; in grade-school, on the recorder. I learned early on that my ability to play by memory and through ear afforded me a stark intuitive advantage over peers my own age; naturally, they came to me during our shared lessons to inquire about my talent. While neither of my abilities was necessarily a teachable factor, they did endow me with the ability to "know" my music - through a bit of compositional translation, I was able to share tidbits of knowledge among my colleagues. Read More