Saxophone Lessons in Duarte, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

As mentioned above, each student is motivated by something different and has different musical goals. I try to find ways to make lessons fun and interesting for each and every student. As such, my approach for a less serious student will be different from my approach for a more serious student. However, I make sure that all students have a goal that they are working towards; Perhaps, a piece that they hope to perform at contest or a concert, or mastering their scales and arpeggios in every key. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I liked Paul's smooth sound and became interested in jazz.From that point onward, I wanted to hear more about this thing called "jazz." The first jazz album I ever owned was "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. I started to listen to the likes of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins.Listening to these greats, I started to realize what I wanted to be in my life. What I liked about their music was not only their obvious talent, but their ability to excite and calm their listeners in a span of one song. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I usually begin by playing with them so they feel comfortable first. This is the most important aspect of the lesson since one-on-one time can be intimidating unless each person is familiar with one another and each other's playing style. I often try and get a feel for what type of music they're into. This helps guide the lesson material in a way that moves smoothly and helps them excel while having fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to play audio/recordings for the students when possible, so that the student has an idea of the style, or the piece that we are studying.  This gives them something to reference to, but also gives them an aural aspect in their playing/practice habits. I also model for them constantly, so that they get more visual and aural reinforcement.  I sometimes give them short music concept/vocabulary assignments, such as learning the names of the notes on the staff, counting rhythms, meters, etc; all having to do with music theory and musical concepts that can be directly applied to their practical aspect of playing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been blessed with patient and understanding mentors throughout my musical career and so I too want to give that to my students! Every child and every adult should be treated as if they have the potential to be the next great Duke Ellington or Stravinsky; every individual has a mass of potential that is just waiting to be drawn out and that is what I look for. I don't try to make the student to conform to my standards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I parlayed that into a full time business by my last semester of college during which I took on an abundance of private students in Rochester, NY and single handedly implemented the Cornerstone Academy's music program in Brockport, NY. When I returned to the tri-state area in August 2008 in the midst of the recession, I thought it would be in both my best interest, as well as the most effective way of strongly supporting and teaching a variety of budding musicians, to continue to expand and build my studio of private students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

All of my students, depending on age, go through my curriculum which not only focuses on solo repertoire but learning how to be an essential part of any ensemble. I make sure I plan individual lessons and create overall schemes of work for my pupils so they can develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for them at different stages of their musical development. I extend my own musical experience by becoming familiar with the music my pupils listen to and music that is assigned from their primary music instructor, as well as have them become familiar with other musical styles and by developing improvisation and vocal skills. Read More