Saxophone Lessons in Fulton Ferry, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, along with my own personalized sound and technique exercises. After getting a grasp of the fundamentals - depending on the student's area of interest - I will either begin to introduce classical solo repertoire, jazz theory and transcription or concepts of a style of music the student is particularly interested in otherwise. Music composition is also one of my biggest passions, and I am always willing to introduce the wonderful world of writing your own music to my students, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

My philosophy is mainly individualistic. If a student is young, there are many personalities you may encounter- some naturally focused, others not. While I will still aim to deliver essentially the same content, my approach with each child varies based on their attention span and focus. A lack of focus often hints at a creative bent, so I may listen a bit more than with a student naturally prone to taking directions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Recorder Music

I am developed an individual, highly effective teaching approach, combining basic music statements, free improvisation, improvisation on given changes and rhythm, sight-reading, music theory, discovering and incorporating music from different cultures and epochs. For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching music in college through my babysitting network. When the mothers and fathers of the children I cared for found out that I played piano and woodwinds, many of them asked if I would also give their kids private lessons. Having a knack with kids and with music, my music teaching practice quickly blossomed in that small town. I have found that while it's important to keep kids sharp in their ability to read music on the page, it is at least as important to engage their creativity off the page. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

As a teacher, it is very rewarding to see my student progress and see their love for music deepen. I like to help students develop at their own speed while guiding them in the right path. I like to help my students find their own voice and creativity in music. It is very important for me to inspire my students by learning who they are and what they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

I believe nothing is too challenging for a student to learn at a young age. If I do not tell a student that something they are learning is difficult, they will never develop a complex that they cannot do it. Basically, I teach my students so that they can surpass where I was at their age. I enjoy preparing my students for concerts, recitals, school talent shows (and any other opportunity) by maintaining high standards, efficiently using lesson time, and combining pedagogically sound teaching with an excellent model for my students to mirror. Read More