Saxophone Lessons in Fort Greene, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

For students aged 3-6, I ensure to use visual materials. I also try to give the student time at the end of the lesson to improvise, which ensures ending on a positive note.-Students aged 7-13 always a quick Q&A regarding music studies in school if they are participating in the school's music program. They are also given scale exercises to ensure a solid knowledge of the major and minor scales.-Students 14+ are given the opportunity to express particular interests and goals that they are specifically trying to reach. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I never work exclusively from one book or another. Finally, I'm a strong believer in the importance of having a strong ability with and (even more importantly!) understanding of the fundamentals of the saxophone, and of music itself. This means guided practice of the basic exercises in lessons, and guided analysis/breakdown of music to see the inner patterns at work. For my students that want them, I create practice guides after each lesson (written music with exercises discussed) and send follow up emails with suggestions for things to focus on in that week's practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student responds differently to a method of teaching. Some react better to being challenged while others respond better to encouragement and positive reinforcement. It is my responsibility to find the method for each student and adapt accordingly. Another factor that is not constant among all students is their pace. I make sure that each student has goals that they can achieve at their current level, to avoid extreme frustration and to always keep them moving forward. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes all the way back to my senior year of high school teaching not only my students at the Chatham school of rock but also my peers in high school as well as college. My philosophy is simple, music is taught best through experience. Technique books, and etudes have their place for the basics but I believe there is no substitute for putting on a backing track and getting to playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

My technique for teaching students vary depending on the student and their competency. If the student is a beginner I like to start them with the basics of theory and rhythm by explaining the circle of 5ths, major scales, minor scales, augmented, and diminished scales. Then once the student grasps the very basic concepts of music theory I then either have them bring in a song the would like to play or I will give them variations of Ferling Etudes or Bach Etudes to establish a solid foundation in music theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

This helped me find new paths to play my music especially since rap stars started wearing my brand. Because of my celebrity status as a clothing designer I was able to attract upscale Chicago clothier Bigsby and Kruthers who sponsored my Chicago Jazz musical tours. Also, accompanied by the great Chicago poet Malik Yusef, I got a chance to perform with legendary rapper Common on his Album "One Day It Will All Make Sense." In 2001, I was offered a job to teach at the Fashion Institute of Technology (still there). Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

For beginning woodwind students, I have had success using the Rubank method books as a starter. Alongside a method book, I like to work on material chosen by the student, as well as my own supplemntal exercises. It is important for the student to understand the musical concepts associated with the repertoire, as well as focusing on performing well. I also prefer to have my students keep a practice log book, in order to track their progress. For piano and music theory, I like to use the John Thompson method for beginner students, and the Bastien Piano Literature series for more advanced students. Read More