Saxophone Lessons in Newington, CT

Instruments: Saxophone Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started playing guitar at age 13 and by age 16 I was already teaching lessons! My martial arts instructor told me his daughter wanted to learn guitar and she became my first student. Every week I arrived early to martial arts and I taught her guitar for 1 hour. At the first lesson she was a complete beginner and after a couple weeks she was able to player entire Taylor Swift songs! 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard

This is a very tricky topic, because every student learns differently on every ability level therefore, I like to use a combination of various tools. The Essential Elements works great for younger beginners, where the Rubank books are more suited for older or very disciplined students. I like to supplement this with music they might be working on in a school ensemble, or if they have a favorite song they would like to learn, as well as with scale studies and long tones. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

My teaching style is fairly laid-back, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. This allows me the freedom to tailor the instruction to the specific needs of the student and successfully find what creates their individual passion. I also believe that - especially in creative mediums like music and art - every negative critique I point out needs to be accompanied by at least two positive critiques. This positive reinforcement will help push students to progress rather than pushing them down, and all I want is to see the people I teach grow as both budding musicians and people. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

The student decides how fast he/she will progress by practicing very hard, or by working at a more moderate pace. Once again, I always participate in the learning process, as this method of teaching will enhance the private lesson, and a mutual enjoyment and respect will develop! The student must convey to me what he/she desires to focus on, and there will be a "win/win" situation which is always preferred. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For all students I begin with an essential book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal. For students who are just beginning the instrument, I like to include the Rubank Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Method Books for Saxophone as well as the Selected Duets both by H. Voxman. Then we would advance to introducing etudes with 48 Famous Studies by W. Ferling. Then I will begin to include beginner repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching music since I attended high school and have continued to do so for the past 6 years. Improvisation and expression are key points I like to emphasize in all my students, as anyone can sit down and practice scales until their fingers fall off, but being able to express yourself through a musical instrument takes dedicated work and direction. My students are made to create as much as they are made to perform, as understanding how music works and the theory behind it is achievable regardless of level or age. Read More