Saxophone Lessons in Glen Rock, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I have been a professional musician and music teacher for almost 20 years. In 2016, I graduated with a doctorate in saxophone performance from Texas Christian University. At TCU, I studied saxophone with Joe Eckert. He is a well-known jazz and classical saxophonist and was the lead alto and director of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble of the US Air Force, for 20 years. I have traveled as a performer for several years, and I have recorded multiple major label projects with various Latin music groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with the method book that the child is given by the school Music teacher, making certain that they are at least adequately prepared to play their assigned studies (or pages) for their school Music lesson. I also incorporate playing the Duets provided in that volume, along with the students. I then suggest that they purchase other necessary methods, duets and solos at their local Music Store(s), as they progress, and they will therefore require more advanced Musical materials than that used at their school. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I want students to learn what they're most interested in, with the caveat that I can teacg them a "song" or I can teach them the instrument and they can play any song. Whenever I can I play duets with the students. It makes what they're doing sound more like music. And I make mistakes. That shows that mistakes are no big deal (1 wrong note is a mistake. Make the same mistake repeatedly, you're doing it wrong). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger and beginning students, I typically start with technique exercises that focus on producing a strong and clean sound on the instrument, and ensure that the base technique is solidified. We will then work through various technique and work books until the student is at a level where they can choose the music that interests them most. For adults and more advanced students, I like to gear the lessons toward what they want to learn, and provide them with the tools they need to reach their goals. 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Growing up in a musical family instilled a love of music as a child. My father was an accomplished jazz pianist and when I was 15 years old I began playing professionally. I had great teachers in my formative years, from my father, my band directors and to my private instructors, I learned that developing simple concepts to tackle seemingly complex ideas was the key to my success. I graduated from Texas State University in 2001 with a B.A. in Music Performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, what I start with generally depends on what instrument they play, but in general, I use various "Essentials" books. As the student progresses past the fundamentals of music and playing their instrument, I will move on to more advanced or technical musical exercises, as well as solo repertoire if the student is looking to perform for a recital, NYSSMA, etc. My teaching style for older, more advanced students is relatively the same, excluding the "Essentials" and fundamentals. Read More