Saxophone Lessons in Hillsdale, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching method is roughly similar, whether you are young or old, a beginner or advanced. I believe in staying as close to music as possible; exercises have their place, but if we can use actual music to teach technique, sound, articulation, harmony, or any other topic, all the better. As a teacher, I consider a large part of my role simply curating the music you hear and learn, combining both your interests with your skill level and needs as an instrumentalist. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Gabe B. is a freelance saxophonist, composer, and educator based in New York City. Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, he moved to the United States at age 12 and developed a love for jazz and the saxophone. Gabe has performed professionally in a wide variety of contexts including extensive jazz, pop, and musical theater work, cruise ship showbands, and off-broadway touring. Gabe earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of South Carolina, Summa Cum Laude. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

In my lessons I use my own materials that I have composed and compiled in the course of 32 years, as well as books that I found in Europe and later in the United States. There are some American educational series that I also like to use. Sometimes my students as me to work on their school band music, in this case we are using the band method books. I am always happy to work with very beginners to very advanced and professional. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I would best describe my teaching style as "Learn how to have fun playing music, simply." I am thankful for being blessed with an ability to hear how my student plays and quickly and accurately prescribe a simple fix to get over hurdles. Sometimes all it takes is looking at things a different way to realize something and clear up confusion. Just like in life, sometimes with music all it takes is your teacher saying something a different way or helping you look at the music from a different angle. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Effective music education is both developmentally and culturally appropriate: By working with the student to understand their interests, I hope to provide them with an experience that will enrich their musical and social life outside of the work we do together. Through infancy, I believe Music Learning Theory is effective for developing musical and linguistic skills. If a student in toddlerhood/childhood shows that they have a preferred way to express themselves musically, I will tailor lessons around the Kodaly (voice), Orff (instrumental), or Dalcroze (dance) philosophies. Read More