Saxophone Lessons in Passyunk, PA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first began teaching while still completing my Bachelors degree at William Paterson in 2011. Most of my students were beginning level piano students, but I had a few more advanced students as well as some people studying saxophone with me. My teaching philosophy is to combine teaching the technique of an instrument with learning songs as well as theory and improvisation/composition. Everyone learns technique, but learning music that I wanted to learn, learning how those songs were written (theory), and eventually elaborating on those songs (improvisation), and writing my own music (composition), was what really got me deeply engaged in the act of practicing and making music, and I have found over several years of teaching that it keeps my students engaged and enjoying the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard

I am an energetic woodwind multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator born and raised in Philadelphia, always open to musical opportunities regardless of the style. Since graduating from Temple University Boyer College of Music in 2021, I've been hard at work leading my solo fusion jazz project, GPS (Gabe Preston Sounds or Galactic Prism Sounds), with our debut album [to the stratosphere] currently available on all streaming platforms and a new album in the works later this year. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

My own mentor was a tough guy... He would stand behind me, yell, shout and pound my shoulder. For sure, it is not for everyone. With most students, I take a calm and relaxed approach. As a child studying the classics, I remember teachers hitting my hand with rulers when I made mistakes. Jazz; however, is a creative art. It also requires making things up on the spot, so the most important skill is not to avoid mistakes, but to be able to recover from them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone

It depends on the student. Every student has their own pace and I believe in developing a student where they are at. Music is a lifetime to learn and concepts are different for every student. I am very patient when teaching and I will challenge when I feel the student is ready for a certain challenge. Growth is very important to me because it tells me I am doing the job correctly if I can give a student more advanced level material and they are able to perform it properly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I love to watch a student fall in love with music. It is very exciting to see the excitement of being able to accomplish a piece of music that they have worked on. I encourage students to find music that they want to learn and to open them up to different styles and history of where the music came from. I come from a classical / jazz background so i am very happy to teach any style that would excite a student. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I believe in focusing on important fundamentals in music to allow the student to achieve whatever they wish. I focus on tone, technique, and musicality for all levels to then apply these skills. I have many method books for students if they prefer to learn that way, but I can also assign tailored exercises to cater the needs of each individual student. I am here to help the student play whatever type of music they want! Read More