Saxophone Lessons in Jersey City, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

My main priority as an educator is to keep music fun and enjoyable while you progress on a path towards mastery of an instrument. Music is an art and a discipline, but it's purpose has always been to provide entertainment, share feelings, incite dance, and accompany celebration. To retain that passion for music while you learn, the focus has to always be on sound, not concepts. You should hear yourself often, be able to hear your improvement, and be able to point towards a tangible goal for your playing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I like to start with either the Rubank Elementary Method or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as I find these provide a strong foundation in proper technique and sound, and reading music. As we move through this method, I will introduce exercises to help the student further develop a good sound on their instrument. At the same time, we will also begin to play solo and duet repertoire. Read More

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

I always begin a lesson with having the student play a song/piece of their choice, so that they can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin and in the lesson space. For wind instruments, long tones and scales will occur at the beginning of the lesson, and will be followed by study of an etude and/or piece of repertoire. I will ask the student to sing through the piece, so that the student can make a connection with their own voice and with the music, followed by the student reading through the piece with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My teaching style is to identify what area a student needs help in and to remediate the problem by creating supplemental materials. Showing students what to practice and how to practice are key elements. My methods are geared to improve tone production, articulation, phrasing and musicality. I strongly recommend that students select classical music to practice. I heavily emphasize the playing of scales and arpeggios. The composers that are the best to study include Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

After the first couple of lessons, I will set goals with the student, and their parent (if the student is a child.) Being able to acknowledge that a goal has been met allows the student to have a desire to continue with the instrument they are learning. Passing goals and allows the student eager to learn. By finding out what the student wants to learn, I can successfully tailor my instruction to the student's need and wants. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

My teaching style is a mixture of a relaxed, conversational feel combined with strong focus. I will constantly insist on stern focus on the material being played- offering big picture ideas as to why a piece is being practiced in a certain way, while asking the student to tell me why such and such a method makes sense. Very small mistakes in the music will be cause to stop and refocus. Read More