Saxophone Lessons in Rye Brook, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I want students to learn what they're most interested in, with the caveat that I can teacg them a "song" or I can teach them the instrument and they can play any song. Whenever I can I play duets with the students. It makes what they're doing sound more like music. And I make mistakes. That shows that mistakes are no big deal (1 wrong note is a mistake. Make the same mistake repeatedly, you're doing it wrong). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I start with theory and technique for beginning trainees, combined with songs that utilize the modes and scales that the trainee will be learning, thus combining the academic with the practical. More specifically, I feel that learning scales and modes are of vital importance to any musician (no matter the skill level), as such a thing is necessary not only for improvisation (which is very important as my background is in jazz), but also for writing music, which I feel that every musician should do in addition to playing other people's music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I use standard method books, along with personal sheets of exercises I have developed through the years. I publish my own solo books with accompaniments, which I also use. These books are primarily classical pieces, but I also use digital accompaniments for jazz and popular music. Theory and ear training are also part of my lessons. My lesson books include Rubank books for beginning students, and Rose, Andersen, and Bassi studies for more advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

After the first couple of lessons, I will set goals with the student, and their parent (if the student is a child.) Being able to acknowledge that a goal has been met allows the student to have a desire to continue with the instrument they are learning. Passing goals and allows the student eager to learn. By finding out what the student wants to learn, I can successfully tailor my instruction to the student's need and wants. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began my teaching days informally when I was still a student at Fairport High School. Some family friends wanted to learn how to play saxophone, so I began teaching them. Next thing I knew, I had a small-time music studio in my parents' basement! I was teaching saxophone as well as jazz improvisation at that time. I took a break from teaching when I went to college, and began teaching again the summer after I graduated. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo

For beginners who are children I will start with the fundamentals of the instrument (flute or sax) and then from there will introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. With adults I like to find out what styles of music they are interested in and instruct them with that in mind to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable while still educational. I will assign exercises and also incorporate some basic music theory and composition tips to further my student's music education and lead to a more well rounded knowledgeable musician. Read More