Saxophone Lessons in Oradell, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students I focus on the fundamentals; developing a sound and technique to allow them to be creative. I mix in ear-training with all of my students through different ways of connecting them to the music. I allow for all of my students to express their creativity through improvisation and all students are encouraged to reach creatively. I look to engage with my students in any way that relates with them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Bobby was raised in a small Illinois town. He was introduced to music at an early age by his multi-instrumentalist father, who would bring him to gigs throughout the region. He began attending Mark O’Connor’s fiddle camps and festivals throughout the Midwest, where he met musicians like Casey Driessen and Noam Pikelny. “They opened me up to what was possible because they were so virtuosic at such a young age too,” Bobby said. 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: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I use what some have called the target approach. With this method you are working on one concept at a time, and you should always have one concept in mind while you practice. Some examples of beginning concepts are 1) keeping a steady beat, 2) sound quality, or 3) smooth finger technique. In one practice session using the target approach you may spend 10 minutes on target 1) and 15 minutes on target 2). What is important, however, is that you continue to work on a target every day until you find yourself performing that single concept flawlessly and effortlessly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

For my students, I like to make sure that their experience learning music is fun and enjoyable, but also rewarding. I want to make sure that anyone studying with me is having a fun time, but also learning good habits. It is very important to learn how to warm up properly and also how to correctly play your instrument. I try to find out what the student is interested in and what motivates them and guide my lesson according to the level of the student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo

For beginners who are children I will start with the fundamentals of the instrument (flute or sax) and then from there will introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. With adults I like to find out what styles of music they are interested in and instruct them with that in mind to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable while still educational. I will assign exercises and also incorporate some basic music theory and composition tips to further my student's music education and lead to a more well rounded knowledgeable musician. Read More