Saxophone Lessons in Englishtown, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been teaching music lessons, both on a freelance basis and at the Laconia Music Center, since graduating college in the Spring of 2009. I have also been playing woodwind instruments in a professional capacity since that time. My work as a performer informs my work as an educator and vice-versa. I am afforded the great luxury of musical dynamism by living in New York City, and I am as comfortable in a jazz club as I am reading classical music, or in the horn section of a funk band. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A Berklee College of Music Alumni, Simon has studied with an array of professors including Dino Govoni, Dennis Montgomery, Walter Beasley and Kenwood Dennard. His aggressive funky style has made him a mainstay in groups like the Brian Rigby Band and SlackTide both of which tour regularly up and down the east coast. In addition to these groups Simon has worked with groups such as SoulPax, and Jon Oneal and the Bayou Boys. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Accordion

It's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Sometime I would bring my soprano or tenor saxophone with me and create music with a student by trying to show him how music works. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

My teaching methods shift and change based on instrument, skill and age. For teens and adults, I like to find out what type of music my students listen to and gear our training toward using the instrument the choose to become a musician. But all instruments require technical exercises and technique training, so for all ages I like the Strictly Strings series and Suzuki method for violin, and Essential Elements for Saxophone, Piano and Bassoon. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For younger students, I find that book based methods are very helpful, and typically I go through the Hal Leonard Essential Elements Series. Once the student has a firm handle of the basics of saxophone (fingerings, embouchure, dynamics, etc.) then I start having them read etude books, and prepare pieces for recitals and other performances or auditions. For adults, I like to teach based on a goal oriented program. For example, If I have a student who is only interested in learning the saxophone for the sake of playing "Yakety Sax" or "The Pink Panther Theme", then I will tailor the lesson plan towards learning that while still working on the fundamentals of Saxophone along the way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

There are many different methods, practices, and philosophies that one can use when teaching drumming, and the most effective approach will depend on the individual student and their needs and goals. Here is a general overview of some approaches that I might use when teaching drumming: 1. Begin with the basics: Before diving into more complex rhythms and techniques, it's important to establish a solid foundation of basic drumming skills. This might include proper hand and foot technique, basic rhythms, and an understanding of the different parts of the drum set. 2. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students get better, and different things make different students improve. I like to find what that is for each individual student. For example, some are more interested in reading the notes, and others are better at learning by ear. I try to work with each student's strong points and use the strengths to work on improving the weaknesses. Read More