Saxophone Lessons in Irvington, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, along with my own personalized sound and technique exercises. After getting a grasp of the fundamentals - depending on the student's area of interest - I will either begin to introduce classical solo repertoire, jazz theory and transcription or concepts of a style of music the student is particularly interested in otherwise. Music composition is also one of my biggest passions, and I am always willing to introduce the wonderful world of writing your own music to my students, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

After graduating from college, I began teaching privately in my home state of Texas at the middle and high school levels in New Braunfels and Austin. Soon, I began teaching adults as well and when I moved to Washington D.C. in fall of 2006, I became the Music Instructor at The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, a center for adults with developmental disabilities. This experience had a great impact on me in terms of understanding the big picture in that the goals and methods relating to the technical aspects of music lessons, but the grand value that music offers in terms of the emotional and spiritual rewards as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I’ve also tried my hand at Music Production and songwriting, and found that these ventures are gratifying ways to expand and grow as a musician. They’ve given me insight that I would have never received otherwise. Music is a great way to build many abilities that students will benefit from long after they’ve stopped studying and I hope to share my knowledge and experience with as many people as possible. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

I start with assessing the students' capabilities, after which I begin to develop the following areas: Development of their sound; Instrument Technique; Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Language; Theory and Jazz Harmony; Study and Development of Students' Own Repertoire. Depending on the level of the students and their needs, I push certain areas more or less. The key to becoming a successful student is to practice, to develop a good technique, but also to listen to a lot of music to develop the talent for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

Setting both long term and short term goals are important to students, and this would certianly be a long-term goal situation. In order for my students to achieve their goals in and out of lesson time, I assign practice and homework assignments for my students to work on for the following lesson. I strongly believe in the importance of communicating with both the students' parents and band director at school. Read More