Saxophone Lessons in Greenmead, CA

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I usually begin by playing with them so they feel comfortable first. This is the most important aspect of the lesson since one-on-one time can be intimidating unless each person is familiar with one another and each other's playing style. I often try and get a feel for what type of music they're into. This helps guide the lesson material in a way that moves smoothly and helps them excel while having fun. Read More

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

At the heart of my teaching style is a balance between understanding concepts, developing technique, and applying everything in a practical, musical way. Technique and theory are essential, but they should serve expression not limit it. What we learn should ultimately help us communicate and create freely. For example, while we might spend time practicing the C major scale on the piano to understand its structure and build familiarity, the next step is bringing it to life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've held a variety of teaching positions since then that have enriched my abilities and experience as a teacher both privately and in the classroom. This includes being the Jewish Music Specialist and song leader for four different camps over the years, show directing at School of Rock, and single-handedly implementing the music program for Heketi Charter School in 2017-2018. Last but certainly not least, the transition to online formatting due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced me to explore new pedagogies and business models alike. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

After studying under some amazing private teachers, I started teaching saxophone and clarinet when I was in High School. Since then, I have taught hundreds of students of all ages and skill levels privately and in conjunction with music institutions. I was the manager of Educator's Music in Twinsburg, Ohio for 3 years. After moving to California, I continued teaching private lessons through Musika and other online services. I have over 20 years of professional performing and teaching experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

For students that are beginners in music, I use the Essential Elements and Rubank methods to teach them how to read music as well as their instrument. For more advanced students, I place more of an emphasis on the fundamentals of the instrument specifically developing a warm, beautiful sound and establishing a vast technical facility. All of my students are expected to keep a practice journal as way to encourage logging their own progress and goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students that are beginners I try to get a better understanding of their skillset by giving them and listening to to them play a simple etude. This will give me a better idea of what I think we should work on most like embouchure or breath control. Once I feel like they have a good understanding of the fundamentals of the instrument I try to give them pieces that focus more on the the technicality of the saxophone. Read More