Saxophone Lessons in Middle Island, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

In 1998, I began teaching saxophone lessons in Houston, TX. I have taught saxophone lessons in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2008. My students were in middle school, high school, college. and adults. In addition, I have taught students who wanted to start a new hobby or were interested in returning to an instrument that they played in the past. In 2011, I began studying with Joe Eckert at TCU. At TCU, I coached the saxophone quartets, lead rehearsals for the jazz ensemble saxophone section, performed classical saxophone recitals, and performed with the jazz ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I modify all lessons depending on the student to best suite the students needs and prepare them for the maximum learning experience. I use a variety of method books, etude books and solos to teach technique and style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

For novice students, I will most likely start with a method book such as one from the Essential Element's series. However, I will typically move students through the method book quickly and get right into performance repertoire that is appropriate for their age and level. Composing your own pieces and learning to improvise are extremely important in my method of teaching so I will also start teaching students how to write their own music as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

While I generally begin with the Rubank Method and move onto a more personalized approach after 7th or 8th grade, I am always focused on providing the individual student with the best guidance possible. I like to encourage solo performance for friends and family early on to achieve performance experience and mitigate nervousness. If a student is interested in jazz or other styles of improvisation or composition, they will have a chance to get their feet wet in these areas at a young age as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, what I start with generally depends on what instrument they play, but in general, I use various "Essentials" books. As the student progresses past the fundamentals of music and playing their instrument, I will move on to more advanced or technical musical exercises, as well as solo repertoire if the student is looking to perform for a recital, NYSSMA, etc. My teaching style for older, more advanced students is relatively the same, excluding the "Essentials" and fundamentals. Read More