Saxophone Lessons in Midwood, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first student was a NYC firefighter that I met in October 2001 right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was looking for a way to distract himself from the experience that he had gone through. Working with him and seeing how simply playing a note on the saxophone changed his vibe and relaxed him, I realized that music truly heals. Since then, my approach has been to get to know my student well and discover how I can help them enjoy the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

I started teaching in college when I was a tutor in the mathematics and music departments as well as at an after school program in the neighboring town. After graduating I started teaching private music lessons in a variety of settings. I try to keep my lessons interesting and informative so that the student learns without getting bored. I am a patient, kind, and understanding teacher to students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I have a unique process when dealing with students because I didn't study privately until I got to college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach from a flexible curriculum depending on the student's goals and interests. If someone wants to learn technique, music theory, songwriting, how to play Taylor Swift songs, arranging, composing, confidence, et cetera we will work on what is driving them to take lessons and learn! If the student is younger I will provide them with an organized syllabus and “fun” damentals! If they are older, I will help them find a way to stick with the music and accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My lessons vary from student to student, but are generally comprised of two parts. The first part involves working out a method book or classical etude book, depending on the level of the student. I believe that working out of a book is a great way to cover many of the fundamental bases of being an instrumentalist, such as reading music, developing technique, developing a good sound, playing with good rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is different. I tailor my teaching style to fit the needs of and goals of each individual student musician. Beginning students, especially children, need more guidance and structure to the lessons to get started, but its still important to keep them interested , engaged and having fun, so Ill typically integrate lessons on basic technique with songs that children already know. For intermediate and advanced students I tend to take a more flexible approach, paying special attention to what the student wants to get out of the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

If people are more interested in an at-your-own-pace style of lessons, I love navigating the balance between pushing students to try new things and expand themselves, and solidifying the skills and interests they already have. In addition to teaching saxophone, I've been teaching both music theory (classical and jazz) and ear training (including solfege and sight singing) independent of saxophone lessons for 4 years. In my opinion, ear training is the most important skill any musician can cultivate, and I always work to integrate ear training techniques into saxophone lessons. Read More