Saxophone Lessons in Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

One of the most valuable life skills that music lessons can impart is the skill of objective self-analysis. This means being honest with oneself, both about areas that need improvement (weaknesses), but also existing strengths! I encourage students to use this skill in a musical context, with the hope that they then carry it out into other parts of their lives. My greatest strength as a teacher is my flexibility- I make sure to prepare for every lesson, but if a student comes in with a curveball that takes the lesson in a new direction, I'm happy to go with the flow, and to try and build and expose the deeper relationships between different areas of music and the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, 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. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I don't typically use a method series for Voice, as I use a series of vocal exercises I have memorized over the years from my own vocal teacher for technical voice training and warm-up. It's important to note that for beginner piano students I will use a method, but for more advanced-beginners and intermediate players I focus on chord theory and rhythmic playing, as I am a self taught pianist and do not teach classical piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

Together with the student, we have to create a non-pressure, stress-free, enjoyable atmosphere that motivates the student to view music and instrument-playing as a means to happiness and relaxation. That is why I like to play together with my students during the lessons, even if we play the same thing together, like tunes or exercises. Playing together is a great teaching tool and it brings the students an invaluable experience of playing with others, which many people today don't have otherwise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My relationship with music making began at the age of 7 when I begrudgingly agreed to take piano lessons at the nudging of my parents. In the first lesson, my teacher taught me the theme from The Simpsons, and I was sold. It would be years before I would actually become competent at turning notes on a page into something musically expressive, but that day I went home knowing I had found something special, and that inertia has carried me to where I am today. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

I took on my first student in 2007 and found that I loved it! In being an open minded learner, I made it a point to treat my students in the same manner; thus allowing me to develop highly individualized lessons, plans, and goals for my students. I made it a point to ensure their goals and needs were in line with any external deadlines. I would encourage students to keep practice journals and to record at home practices for reference. Read More