Saxophone Lessons in Granby, CT

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching music since I attended high school and have continued to do so for the past 6 years. Improvisation and expression are key points I like to emphasize in all my students, as anyone can sit down and practice scales until their fingers fall off, but being able to express yourself through a musical instrument takes dedicated work and direction. My students are made to create as much as they are made to perform, as understanding how music works and the theory behind it is achievable regardless of level or age. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate about teaching, and want my students to succeed. I have been playing clarinet since I was 10 years old, and the saxophone for 40 years. I am a graduate of the Hartt School, where I majored in Jazz Studies, with saxophone performance. I have played in bands on cruise ships, performed in Latin, Rock, Jazz and RB Bands. I have been on recordings with Jimmy Perez, a salsa singer, and Simply Swing, a 10 piece Swing Band. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I believe that every student is unique and deserves a unique approach from myself as a teacher, so I do not stick to regimented lesson plans. I work each week to plan out how best to convey the information needed, but if things need to change in the lesson, I adapt to provide what is needed for the student to still grow. There should be no lesson where the student walks away having learned nothing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For all students I begin with an essential book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal. For students who are just beginning the instrument, I like to include the Rubank Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Method Books for Saxophone as well as the Selected Duets both by H. Voxman. Then we would advance to introducing etudes with 48 Famous Studies by W. Ferling. Then I will begin to include beginner repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very open minded and flexible teaching style. I ask my students why they love playing music and I focus on the skills that they want to improve. When I have students who want to perform on stage, I challenge them to play guitar without looking at the strings so that they will focus on the audience. I also encourage them to stand up and move around even while they are practicing so they will be more engaging during the real concert. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More