Saxophone Lessons in Ontario, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Piccolo Oboe

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

With private students, I customize my teaching methods to how each student best learns. I have several methods to teach most music concepts and saxophone technique so that I can better connect with each student’s learning style. I find students have a more enjoyable experience when I give them the chance to learn what they would like to play. For jazz students, I first have them identify a musician they enjoy listening to and begin exploring what makes that player unique. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

With beginners, I focus on developing sound fundamentals. It's important to avoid any bad habits and beginning students are lucky in that they have the opportunity to establish proper technique from the very start. As students progress, I use books such as the Universal Method and Rubanks Duets to learn to read notes and understand rhythms. Duets are an amazing tool as they hold students responsible for their individual part, while still functioning as a supportive and interactive activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Embouchure: muscle distribution, posture, mouthpiece position Tone Production: tongue position, first tone , various dynamic levels, long tones Intonation: Overtone exercise, opening of throat , expansion of neck, singing pitch Articulation: reading phrase articulation , determining articulation Phrasing: playing each note with a purpose Repertoire: Standards , Publications Scales: major / melodic minor arpeggios thirds and fourths various exercises Patterns: symmetrical patterns for repetition and inside and outside harmonic structure Equipment: horns, reeds, mouthpieces, books, software, hardware Solo Interpretation : Playing in the proper idiom Ensemble interpretation: following the lead player, supporting role, blending History Saxophone Styles: Major influences on Jazz and Popular saxophone Practice routine: what , how long and in what order to practice Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

A student will never practice if they're not having fun, and they won't have fun if they're being pushed harder than they want to be pushed. Therefore, when I start with a student, I always ask how much they want to improve and how quickly, how important music is to them, and how much time they're willing to invest daily. We continue on the student's pace, and find the most efficient and fun way to get the student's goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been a working music teacher and professional musician since 2003. My work has taken me all over the world, from exotic, global itineraries on board 5-star cruise ships, to the some of the top music venues in New York City, as well as the homes and classrooms of many satisfied students. I graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music, with a B.M. in Jazz Performance (saxophone). I also hold a Certificate of Eligibility in K-12 Music from the New Jersey Department of Education, as well as a Substitute Teaching Certificate (specializing in music) for Sussex County school districts in New Jersey. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More