Saxophone Lessons in Spuyten Duyvil, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

I am a passionate saxophonist and instructor looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for the saxophone and music with students. My studies began in high school and eventually led me to Gettysburg College, then Western Connecticut State university, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance. While in college, I was fortunate enough to study with world renowned saxophonists such as Jimmy Greene, Dave Noland, and Andrew Beals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo

Effectiveness is key when practicing so I have always encouraged multiple practice sessions a day but smaller amounts of time (15-20 minutes) so that you can really improve and see changes in your playing and musicality. This also helps keep the student from becoming frustrated and developing a negative relationship with the piece, practicing, or music in general. I would like to assist and encourage my students to enter contests, recitals, and NYSSMA as well as compose their own material so they can stay motivated and feel accomplished while challenging themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

When I first meet with a student, I usually try to get a sense of their ability level, goals, and the styles of music they enjoy. Since everyone is unique, I tailor my lesson plans to each individual. I can help with planning a practice routine, and with selecting music that is interesting, fun, and hopefully a bit challenging (because thats how we improve)! I will recommend method books, and music books, and write a clear practice schedule at every lesson, and will look for ways to keep my students motivated. Read More

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

I began teaching in 2012 when I was awarded the Graduate Assistant position at Western Michigan University. As a G.A., I was responsible for teaching non-music majors saxophone lessons, theory and ear-training, as well as coaching ensembles. I also taught flute and clarinet at Paramount Charter Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan to middle school students. It was a very rewarding experience to teach people of various ages, ability levels, and goals, and allowed me to refine my teaching methods based on the needs of each student. I currently teach music theory, piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute, drums, and composition at Belle Arti Center for the Performing Arts in Queens, NY. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My lessons vary from student to student, but are generally comprised of two parts. The first part involves working out a method book or classical etude book, depending on the level of the student. I believe that working out of a book is a great way to cover many of the fundamental bases of being an instrumentalist, such as reading music, developing technique, developing a good sound, playing with good rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I never work exclusively from one book or another. Finally, I'm a strong believer in the importance of having a strong ability with and (even more importantly!) understanding of the fundamentals of the saxophone, and of music itself. This means guided practice of the basic exercises in lessons, and guided analysis/breakdown of music to see the inner patterns at work. For my students that want them, I create practice guides after each lesson (written music with exercises discussed) and send follow up emails with suggestions for things to focus on in that week's practice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been privately teaching since 2012, primarily teaching high school students in between classes in college. In 2017 I was offered a Graduate Teaching Assistantship from Florida State University, where I was assigned eight students and two saxophone quartets, as well as teaching the saxophone portion of the Woodwind Fundamentals class that was offered. These opportunities have given me a chance to refine my teaching style to cater to what each student needs, from sight-reading practicing, to playing duets together. Read More