Saxophone Lessons in Irvington, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I am a multi-instumentalist/performer/teacher who loves working with students of all ages and musical backgrounds. My specialty is classical music, but I am also a singer/songwriter! I have a masters degree in Oboe Performance from the prestigious CCM, at the University of Cincinnati. I live as a freelance oboist, pianist, and vocalist in New York City, and am currently recording my first full length album. While oboe and piano are my wheelhouse, I feel comfortable teaching the following instruments: guitar, clarinet, flute, bassoon, ukulele, and folk/pop voice. 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 Music

I began teaching both privately and as a group instructor 4 years ago while studying in Undergrad. Since then, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a teaching assistant at summer jazz workshops, and have been teaching privately in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and now New York. Instilling a love for the process of learning and practicing is my top priority as an instructor. Striking the right balance between regimented fundamental practice and pursuing the students' personal musical interests allows the student to develop a healthy sense of discipline and reward in all aspects of their life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

I encourage practice, whether it's one hour a day, 5 minutes a day or somewhere in between, but I understand that contemporary students (especially in New York City) have many obligations in terms of academic and extracurricular activities. It is in knowing this, my first goal is to make the lesson fun and relaxed and never a chore or a source of pressure or anxiety for students or parents. The lesson should be a fun and safe place to learn about and to play music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Dependent on the instrument, I generally use essential musical workbooks as well as my own scales and exercises that create a better base to suppliment the workbooks.  I find that these general books are useful to keep the student's growth on track, however, my own sound exercises alllow wind players to usually progress at a quicker rate.  For more advanced students, once we have discussed what each student hopes to get out of their lessons and what they generally see themselves doing with their instruments in the next few years, we can decide what pieces to work on and what skills to develop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For students who are learning an instrument for band or marching band, I like to integrate their sheet music or method books into the lesson. I use method books with students who are new to their instrument. These materials are then supplemented with scales, solo repertoire, exercises, and technique work as appropriate for each student's interest and skill level. Lessons also consist of listening to previous assignments/repertoire from prior weeks and then offering feedback, answering any questions a student may have, and giving new assignments for the next lesson. Read More