Saxophone Lessons in Gowanus, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students I typically start with an elementary band method (Yamaha, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, etc..). We focus on basic tone production, finger technique, note reading, and playing simple songs. Once the student is comfortable we begin to work out of a duet book. This gives the student a chance to "perform" with me at each lesson, tends to accelerate progress, and is fun! For advanced students we can focus on particular areas of interest.Whether jazz, classical or popular music is your focus, refining various aspects of tone and technique are always incorporated into the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

After the first couple of lessons, I will set goals with the student, and their parent (if the student is a child.) Being able to acknowledge that a goal has been met allows the student to have a desire to continue with the instrument they are learning. Passing goals and allows the student eager to learn. By finding out what the student wants to learn, I can successfully tailor my instruction to the student's need and wants. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

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: Saxophone

My teaching experience comes from spending a lot of time as a student throughout my educational career and analyzing the approaches that helped me out when I was younger. In college I would often sub for a friend of mine at a local music studio which helped me deal with a variety of different students of varying ages and backgrounds, as well as a few students of my own. I've found that setting small and easily achievable goals in combination with consistent practice is very effective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

While his primary instrument is saxophone, John also doubles on clarinet and flute as well. His favorite music styles are jazz, funk, soul, and rock music, but enjoys playing all varieties of genres including, but not limited to, classical, latin, musical theatre, and many other types of music. John is a performer and private instructor, as well as a composer/arranger. He has been performing for years with many different bands around Atlanta, Tallahassee, and now New York. Read More