Saxophone Lessons in Pleasantville, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For young beginners on wind instruments, I really focus on getting a good sound out of the instrument first. Then, I have them learn simple songs by ear to strengthen their relationship with the instrument. At the same time, I will teach them how to read music if necessary. I like to use the Rubank or the Sound Innovations band method books to start with. For my piano students, I go over posture and hand position first, in addition to the basics of the keyboard and fingerings for scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

I'm just starting out pursuing teaching as a professional. During my undergraduate degree, I gave some piano lessons to a next door neighbor, and also also tutored my professor's daughter in music theory. Those moments were crucial for developing what I want to be doing: infusing music lessons with music theory and composition. I feel that learning to play music becomes an entire new experience when one understands the theory behind what they are playing and and furthermore is excited about generating their own material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

One thing I have in my years teaching various skills and subjects outside of the school system is that anyone who wants to learn something can become emboldened with excitement and passion when they are inspired. With music as such a fundamental part of all human cultures, finding out that you get to be apart of a world that has left you in awe at some point or another in some way or another is massively inspiring and "cool", and that realization is the goal of my music teaching. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My goal is to give my students a strong music foundation such as developing great/productive practice habits, instrument care, exposing them to great artist and bands of different genres that will inspire and motivate them to become the best musicians they can be. I believe in patience is a virtue when it comes to a student's progression in music. I believe that understanding the foundation and fundamentals of learning an instrument is the first step to mastering the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

Ive been teaching since I graduated from college. As a student, I attended the Jamey Aebersold summer jazz workshops, and was subsequently trained by Mr. Aebersold on how to specifically teach jazz improvisation. I became a teacher at his workshops and have since taught at many others. In 2001, I began teaching at Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Scarsdale, NY, where I taught private lessons to both classical and jazz students, lead jazz ensembles, and conducted ear-training and composition classes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. 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