Saxophone Lessons in Gladstone, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For as long as I can remember music had come easily to me. I would utilize my abilities in helping my peers get a better grasp of the music we were playing in school. I had my first official student in college where I taught Saxophone to a friend who was interested in learning. I have been teaching pupils and peers alike on and off for the passed 9 years. I believe with the proper time, patience and practice anyone can grasp an understanding of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first love is jazz, and as such I have a strong love of improvisation and aural skills, which I believe are relevant in all forms of music (even Bach improvised!). Once some fundamental skills and theoretical knowledge is ascertained, I like to build on more advanced musical skills like learning songs by ear, being able to identify certain common chord progressions, helpful tips for memorizing pieces, and learning to personalize music through expressive techniques and improvisational application where appropriate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

I'm just starting out pursuing teaching as a professional. During my undergraduate degree, I gave some piano lessons to a next door neighbor, and also also tutored my professor's daughter in music theory. Those moments were crucial for developing what I want to be doing: infusing music lessons with music theory and composition. I feel that learning to play music becomes an entire new experience when one understands the theory behind what they are playing and and furthermore is excited about generating their own material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first ask the student to play so I can hear him/her. After a student plays a short piece of music of their own choosing I can determine what the next step is. Each student has his/her own individual needs. In general though I focus on 3 key elements: 1) Sound quality 2) Technical dexterity (how the fingers deal with the twists and turns of the instrument) 3) Reading Music If a student has a specific genre of music that he/she wants to focus on then I mainly concentrate on that. 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

My lessons are student driven and customized to each student. I take a student's musical background and goals into consideration when coming up with the lesson plan for each lesson. I aspire to find a balance between challenging my students without frustrating or overwhelming them and giving them reasonably reached goals with them getting bored. I make sure to acknowledge their success and offer positive feedback when they do well. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

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. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I have a unique process when dealing with students because I didn't study privately until I got to college. Read More