Saxophone Lessons in Ridgefield Park, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back in college. I never thought that teaching would be a passion of mine until I began teaching privately 7 years ago. The first question I like to ask my students is what inspired you to play the saxophone and what are their overall goals. Where do they want to reach and strive for when playing their desired instrument? Based on the students' goals, I will gear my instruction towards my the needs and desires of the student and give them the best experience possible I began teaching students from my church who were eager to learn the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I create my own lesson plans based off of the individual student. For voice students, we usually warm up, do technical exercises working on varying registers and techniques, and then work on repertoire. I often find the passages in a particular song that the student is struggling with and focus in on those, finding exercises to guide the student. For instrumental students, I work on a lot of music theory and reading, for students of all levels and ages. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

I have taught private lessons for 9 years, and I can proudly say that the majority of my students were accepted either to middle and high school honor ensembles, or to their colleges of choice. Before I teach any student, I make it my goal to gather as much information as I can about why they wish to study clarinet, their goals, and their long-term dreams. My job is to help those dreams happen, so I keep a database of this information to consistently reference during my time with my students. 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 Saxophone Music Keyboard

For absolute beginner students of any age, we begin outside of a book as the best way to learn is from personal experience. With wind players for example, we work on breathing, posture, and hand position as these three components help students produce a quality sound in as comfortable of a way as possible. Moving into more formal studies, I used the Standard of Excellence series for young children and the Rubank series for more intermediate students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I have created my own method of teaching which I have perfected over the years. I create my own exercises and practice materials based on the level and interests of each individual student. I use the software program "Finale" in order to create the musical compositions that I prepare for my students. I always accompany my students on the piano. I am well versed in the various styles of music and am comfortable teaching students how to improvise also. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I enjoy the Faber Piano Adventures. As the student progresses, I guage what their interests/goals are, and choose repertoire according to their interests. For beginning oboe and woodwind students, I focus on a myriad of things that have nothing (and everything) to do with actual music: how to form a correct embouchure, correct hand and finger position, double and single reed care, instrument construction and maintenance, and finally, sound production. Read More