Saxophone Lessons in Mount Vernon, 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I am a professional multi-instrumentalist in both jazz and classical music. I have been teaching for over 45 years. I have played jazz on both coasts (and Chicago) and have performed in chamber ensembles in New York and New England, playing music from the Renaissance as well as more standard repertoire. After earning my degree in composition, which I earned while working as a musician, I fell in love with music before 1750, learned the instruments and techniques to perform it properly and got my MA. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I want my students to enjoy their music lessons, I don't want it to feel like a chore. It can be really fulfilling when I see a student playing or singing something with joy! I pay close attention to what exercises students seem to want to spend the most time on and the ones they get frustrated with. This helps me balance the lesson by breaking things up and putting them in an appropriate order so the student will stay engaged. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many great students of all different levels. From adult beginners to advanced high school students, I have enjoyed helping people achieve their musical goals for the past 10 years! For younger students, audition preparation is an important part of their musical journey. I try to make this process as fun possible to make sure that they enjoy their audition experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I am a jazz musician and composer at heart. The woodwinds (saxophone, flute, clarinet and ewi (Electronic Wind Instrument)) will always be my main performing instruments. Although my journey into composition and teaching has given me practical experience on many other instruments as well, so that I am a competent player and teacher for beginner and intermediate students on piano, guitar and electric bass. Sharing music with others, with an audience or with an eager student, is a magical and rewarding experience that I cherish. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For Beginner students I have them start with the recorder. The instrument allows for a smooth segue to the flute being that the student can see their fingers and the recorder does not require the same air speed and lung capacity that the flute does so the student can pace themselves. For intermediate or advanced students I will go through orchestral excerpts, etudes, or technical studies with them. I follow the same model with my adult students, if they are just starting out I will recommend beginning on recorder to solidify fingerings however the mental and physical capacity of an adult versus a young child are very different. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a multi-woodwind instrumentalist specializing in saxophone. My training is in jazz and classical music but I have performed in a variety of different genres such as latin jazz, swing, improvisation, contemporary classical music and baroque music etc. I currently work full time as a quality control musician at DAddario in NY. At this job I play test clarinet and saxophone reeds and mouthpieces for production approval. In addition to my job at DAddario, I perform freelance for various musical events, and frequently sub with the Cherry Poppin Daddies on alto saxophone and clarinet. Read More