Saxophone Lessons in Rocky Point, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I started playing in the 4th grade. I played in RB bands in high school and enrolled at Berklee College of Music where I have a Bachelor Degree in Composition. I also studied privately with Charles Banacos (increible piano and jazz teacher), Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Viola, Joe Allard ( whose Saxophone methods I teach, who was the teacher of every major saxophone player in his day including Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, and countless others ) , learned circle breathing from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, recorded 2 albums at Grammavision with Al Macdowell (Bass player for 40 years with Ornette Coleman). recodered and learned as much as I could grasp from Don Cherry and Ornette. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

The method books I use vary depending on the student and the district they attend. If a student isnt committed to one particular type of method book, I usually suggest the Standard of Excellence series because I feel it has a logical order of progression in terms of concepts. For students interested in learning jazz, I typically use books written by Jim Snidero, Lennie Niehaus, Hal Leonard, and Bob Mintzer just to name a few. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

For novice students, I will most likely start with a method book such as one from the Essential Element's series. However, I will typically move students through the method book quickly and get right into performance repertoire that is appropriate for their age and level. Composing your own pieces and learning to improvise are extremely important in my method of teaching so I will also start teaching students how to write their own music as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I believe teaching is a privilege, and I strive to inspire each student and light the fire that is in all of us for expression. I am a master teacher, and will find specific motivational techniques to coarse greatness from each student. I will make sure each student is constantly moving forward and find a comfortable yet challenging pace for the student to ensure success. Any student who has done NYSSMA has done well, many of them with perfect scores at all levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

I believe nothing is too challenging for a student to learn at a young age. If I do not tell a student that something they are learning is difficult, they will never develop a complex that they cannot do it. Basically, I teach my students so that they can surpass where I was at their age. I enjoy preparing my students for concerts, recitals, school talent shows (and any other opportunity) by maintaining high standards, efficiently using lesson time, and combining pedagogically sound teaching with an excellent model for my students to mirror. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I like to start them on the Hal Leonard Essential Elements. I believe it moves at the proper pacing for young children. For intermediate students, Accent on Achievement works well because I find the music is more challenging. Also I require older students to know scales, primarily Bb, Eb, and F major being that they are the easiest to learn. It is from there that I gradually add a new scale (one every few weeks) until ultimately all 12 major scales are learned. Read More