Saxophone Lessons in Island Park, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

Ideally, I prefer to work with younger children because it is at this stage in life that they are most musically receptive; I believe it is important for a budding musician to love their craft and - regardless of age, technical skill can only take one so far in the arts. I have seen far too many musicians abandon their gift for the mundane, due to distorted visions of incompetence and unwarranted deceptions of grandeur. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

My style is catered to you! Of course we have to learn our fundamentals which include the notes and rhythms of music, however, once the foundation is set, we can learn songs that interest you! Whether this means learning a pop song, rock song, jazz song, or classical piece, its all about keeping you interested in the music. I have found that this is the most successful way to teach music to my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I start with theory and technique for beginning trainees, combined with songs that utilize the modes and scales that the trainee will be learning, thus combining the academic with the practical. More specifically, I feel that learning scales and modes are of vital importance to any musician (no matter the skill level), as such a thing is necessary not only for improvisation (which is very important as my background is in jazz), but also for writing music, which I feel that every musician should do in addition to playing other people's music. Read More

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

I began teaching oboe and piano lessons when I was in college at Ball State University, about 8 years ago, and have added the other instruments over the course of the last 5 years. I struggled with intense performance anxiety, and found that singing at open mics relieved some of the stress I felt when I played the oboe. I encourage singing everything through before even touching the instrument, and ask all of my students to get comfortable with singing in lessons, because it's going to happen! Read More