Saxophone Lessons in North Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For younger students, I find that book based methods are very helpful, and typically I go through the Hal Leonard Essential Elements Series. Once the student has a firm handle of the basics of saxophone (fingerings, embouchure, dynamics, etc.) then I start having them read etude books, and prepare pieces for recitals and other performances or auditions. For adults, I like to teach based on a goal oriented program. For example, If I have a student who is only interested in learning the saxophone for the sake of playing "Yakety Sax" or "The Pink Panther Theme", then I will tailor the lesson plan towards learning that while still working on the fundamentals of Saxophone along the way. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to make music learning a self-engaged process. Students will keep track of their assignments, make some of the decisions about what music to play, and be expected to practice a minimum of 5 or 6 days per week. Students are sometimes reluctant to have discipline at first, but once they realize that they are making fast progress and overcoming musical challenges, they tend to have a great time. I have had parents of middle schoolers tell me that the structure music lessons have brought to their students' lives has made a huge difference in other areas. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Robert Gilliam is a skilled musician and passionate teacher with a strong background in classical and jazz music. Holding a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and currently pursuing a Master of Music at The Juilliard School, Robert has studied under renowned saxophonists Tim Green and Ron Blake. With experience as a performer alongside notable musicians and participation in prestigious festivals, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and stage experience to his teaching. Read More

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

I create my own lesson plans based off of the individual student. For voice students, we usually warm up, do technical exercises working on varying registers and techniques, and then work on repertoire. I often find the passages in a particular song that the student is struggling with and focus in on those, finding exercises to guide the student. For instrumental students, I work on a lot of music theory and reading, for students of all levels and ages. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

When I approach teaching drums, I start by assessing the student's current level of knowledge and ability. This helps me understand what they are comfortable with and where they need more guidance. I also ask about their goals and what they hope to achieve through their drumming journey. This allows me to tailor my lessons to their specific needs and interests. Next, I break down the basic elements of drumming, such as proper grip and posture, and make sure the student is comfortable and confident with these fundamental techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I'm a dedicated and passionate multi-instrumentalist and composer and have been sharing my love of music with students of all ages since 2009. I studied jazz performance at the New England Conservatory of Music and my curiosity in other styles of music has led me to branch out into classical music, rock, electronic, and a variety of folk musics from different parts of the world. I'm lucky to have been able to perform in and around Seattle, Boston, Europe and now Brooklyn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I start with theory and technique for beginning trainees, combined with songs that utilize the modes and scales that the trainee will be learning, thus combining the academic with the practical. More specifically, I feel that learning scales and modes are of vital importance to any musician (no matter the skill level), as such a thing is necessary not only for improvisation (which is very important as my background is in jazz), but also for writing music, which I feel that every musician should do in addition to playing other people's music. Read More