Saxophone Lessons in Ridgefield, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Hello! I am a freelance jazz saxophonist and woodwind player living in Jersey City. In 2016, I graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in jazz saxophone performance. I am passionate about all things music. Whenever I am performing, playing, teaching, practicing, talking about, or listening to, music... that is where I want to be! I have played and performed many styles of music all across New Jersey and New York, from jazz at Dizzy's in New York, to classic rock at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, to pit orchestra music at various playhouses in New Jersey. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching 8 years ago, I've taught students of all ages and levels, and I find that I've learned a lot from teaching, formulating my ideas, explaining things, guiding students and following their development is always interesting. I encourage my students to practice every day even just 20 min makes a huge difference, usually what happens is if a student picks it up and have the right guidance they'll play for longer. 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: Saxophone

For younger and beginning students, I typically start with technique exercises that focus on producing a strong and clean sound on the instrument, and ensure that the base technique is solidified. We will then work through various technique and work books until the student is at a level where they can choose the music that interests them most. For adults and more advanced students, I like to gear the lessons toward what they want to learn, and provide them with the tools they need to reach their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I like for a student to look at a piece of music and then to explain to me what they think it is. Their perception is different than my perception and I can learn a lot about how to teach them based on how much they may already understand or do not understand. Understanding musical concepts and musical language is important and I emphasize getting basic concepts right immediately. If a student has a misconception about something I try to correct it so they can move forward make progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

Ive been teaching private lessons for about 5 years at this point and I have really seen how my method for teaching as been rewarding for my students. My students range from multitudes of different musical backgrounds so what I like to do is work on their basic musical foundation by teaching them theory and ear training to be able to understand how music works and how this knowledge applies to their musical development. Read More