Saxophone Lessons in Rye, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I would best describe my teaching style as "Learn how to have fun playing music, simply." I am thankful for being blessed with an ability to hear how my student plays and quickly and accurately prescribe a simple fix to get over hurdles. Sometimes all it takes is looking at things a different way to realize something and clear up confusion. Just like in life, sometimes with music all it takes is your teacher saying something a different way or helping you look at the music from a different angle. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For my beginning students, I start off with Hal Leonard's Absolute Beginners - Alto Saxophone method book to start them off with the basic fundamentals of reading music and playing the saxophone. For my more advanced students, I introduce fundamental saxophone techniques as well as solo repertoire. For adults, I encourage them to come up with a set of goals, and I set up each lesson so that we meet these goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

I always begin the first lesson with a short discussion, asking each student what the hope to gain from taking lessons. every person learns differently and it is extremely important to acknowledge the needs of the student before even opening a book. From there I work with the individual to help diminish all doubts about learning and build a confidence in their potential to find and create their sound in whichever direction they choose to take their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have taught all kinds of topics to all kinds of students and like to accomodate the particular interests of different students. I often find that students should set performance goals even if it is just a performance for friends and family. This helps establish workable milestones in the student's progress. I also like students to help model their own education by studying repertoire that interests them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

It is important to adopt a teaching style that is tailored to the individual needs of each student, especially because each student learns at their own pace. Setting goals is one of the first topics I discuss with my students, and then indicate some of the steps they need to take to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Keeping track of a student's hours of practice and their musical achievements is beneficial for me to determine what new material and concepts to work on, and also allows the student to stay organized and motivated.  Read More