Saxophone Lessons in Oakville, CT

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Keyboard

I basically teach as I've been taught by the masters. There are musical essentials that must be mastered for every musician, with no exceptions. By completing one level of proficiency one moves on to the next level, and so on. Eventually students are able to grow to become masters themselves. This has always been the case throughout history, and in all fields for that matter. Never allow yourself to get bogged down by futility; there is always another way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet

I have a very creative teaching style. My emphasis is on student-centered learning. Learning should not solely be myself giving instruction and the students listening. In order for students to grow, discovery on their part needs to happen through guided questioning. The more this happens, the more that students are inclined to make their own discoveries and become their own teachers/motivators for improvement. I am also a firm believer in having the student explore who their musical heroes are. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Over the years, my students have consistently placed high in the Western Region Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra, and several of them have gone on to the extremely competitive Connecticut All-State Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra. Four of my students have successfully auditioned for the summer program at Interlochen. I have had two of my high school aged students have gone on to Harvard, one to Amherst, and three to Yale - all of whom played in the Yale Concert Band, Yale Jazz Ensemble, and/or Yale Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate about teaching, and want my students to succeed. I have been playing clarinet since I was 10 years old, and the saxophone for 40 years. I am a graduate of the Hartt School, where I majored in Jazz Studies, with saxophone performance. I have played in bands on cruise ships, performed in Latin, Rock, Jazz and RB Bands. I have been on recordings with Jimmy Perez, a salsa singer, and Simply Swing, a 10 piece Swing Band. 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

I believe that every student is unique and deserves a unique approach from myself as a teacher, so I do not stick to regimented lesson plans. I work each week to plan out how best to convey the information needed, but if things need to change in the lesson, I adapt to provide what is needed for the student to still grow. There should be no lesson where the student walks away having learned nothing. Read More