Saxophone Lessons in South River, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Growing up in a musical family instilled a love of music as a child. My father was an accomplished jazz pianist and when I was 15 years old I began playing professionally. I had great teachers in my formative years, from my father, my band directors and to my private instructors, I learned that developing simple concepts to tackle seemingly complex ideas was the key to my success. I graduated from Texas State University in 2001 with a B.A. in Music Performance. 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

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

I took on my first student in 2007 and found that I loved it! In being an open minded learner, I made it a point to treat my students in the same manner; thus allowing me to develop highly individualized lessons, plans, and goals for my students. I made it a point to ensure their goals and needs were in line with any external deadlines. I would encourage students to keep practice journals and to record at home practices for reference. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner students, I typically start with rote lessons that teach the basics of the instruments. Then, I move into performing basic, pedagogically-appropriate scales, and begin curriculum in the Rubank Elementary Method books. For more advanced students, I usually have them start with the intermediate or advanced method books, and we learn more advanced major and minor scales, followed by arpeggios and chords (if on piano.) Overall, my main objective is for students to have fun and make meaningful connections. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More