Saxophone Lessons in Fort Monmouth, NJ

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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

I typically tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. In general, I will allocate appropriate Etudes, Scales, and Repertoire that is inline with their abilities and the standards of their particular instrument. If they are preparing for an upcoming performance or audition, that may take precedent. But I also think there is equal need for unstructured time that allows students to explore music as a creativity medium via music listening, exploratory exercises, improvisation, or even composition. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

My teaching style matches the personality of the student. I can vary my lesson from high energy to calm and sensitive. As an previous elementary school music teacher to 3000 students, I have the ability to read a student and find the most effective way to teach immediately. When it is appropriate, I enjoy teaching in the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education, which means making music through movement, speech, play, and creativity. 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I like to start with either the Rubank Elementary Method or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as I find these provide a strong foundation in proper technique and sound, and reading music. As we move through this method, I will introduce exercises to help the student further develop a good sound on their instrument. At the same time, we will also begin to play solo and duet repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I always begin a lesson with having the student play a song/piece of their choice, so that they can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin and in the lesson space. For wind instruments, long tones and scales will occur at the beginning of the lesson, and will be followed by study of an etude and/or piece of repertoire. I will ask the student to sing through the piece, so that the student can make a connection with their own voice and with the music, followed by the student reading through the piece with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

As a teacher, I am learning from my students as well - each person is a unique journey in the world of music and each person teaches me something about communication, understanding, motivation, time-managing during lessons and in individual practice. My main objective is to make the lessons a joy, a positive, motivating experience, to boost self-confidence and provide enjoyment, fun. I teach different people differently, using my background in psychology of learning, understanding individual needs. Read More