Saxophone Lessons in Ridgefield Park, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

Finally, student interests are very important to me. If a student has a strong desire to learn a song or study a topic, it would be wrong for me to deny them this opportunity. The only exception would be if a student wanted to learn something that was seriously out of their current level. In that case I would find a simpler version for the student, or I would scaffold other songs or exercises to build the necessary skills that are needed to reach that goal. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In addition to helping me improve my facility with the saxophone, Paul helped me develop a solid pedagogy for the instrument. At Queens I also devised a curriculum for the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, a group which I founded and directed for one semester before graduating in 2012.   Since completing my masters degree, I've continued teaching privately, and performing with my groups, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. I perform around 80 shows a year, both in the New York Area and touring nationally. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I am a saxophone player, composer, and educator based in upper Manhattan. I grew up in Massachusetts, where I attended the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, and later went to the University of Manitoba on a full scholarship to study with Jon Gordon. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I toured across Canada with several bands, and then moved to New York to continue my professional career. I have had the honor of playing in jazz festivals across Canada and in the States as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I adapt my lesson plan according to the student's level, interests and hobbies away from music. All beginner students start with an Essential Elements series of books to help them understand the process of actually playing their instrument. Once this has been achieved or if the student is already past this level, I like to inquire about what the student wants to learn and improve on. With this information, I give them resources or step by step guidelines to help them with their goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

My teaching style is totally based on the energy and personality of the student. With younger students I try to be as patient as possible by allowing them to tell me exactly what they are looking to learn in the lessons. I then base my lesson plan on this interaction and build the relationship from there. I will assign tasks for the students to complete before the next lesson so that they are doing the work needed to improve their musicianship. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

My teaching process looks like a mountain stream. We start at the top of the mountain, and the goal is to get to the bottom. As I teach using my tried and true techniques, we make our way down, but when I notice that my student needs extra help, or should be pushed more, we detour into another stream until we can return to our main path. Sometimes, we diverge immediately and continue down different paths until we make it to the bottom anyway! Read More