Saxophone Lessons in Suffield, CT

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I believe that every student is unique and deserves a unique approach from myself as a teacher, so I do not stick to regimented lesson plans. I work each week to plan out how best to convey the information needed, but if things need to change in the lesson, I adapt to provide what is needed for the student to still grow. There should be no lesson where the student walks away having learned nothing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

Personal success and happiness from playing music are the most important things for a student to achieve when taking lessons from me. I will work students hard in lessons, but treat them fairly and expect only what I know they are capable of achieving. I may differ slightly from other teachers in that when it comes to outside practice requirements, as I will teach to he amount of effort the student shows me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For all students I begin with an essential book called The Art of Saxophone Playing by Larry Teal. For students who are just beginning the instrument, I like to include the Rubank Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Method Books for Saxophone as well as the Selected Duets both by H. Voxman. Then we would advance to introducing etudes with 48 Famous Studies by W. Ferling. Then I will begin to include beginner repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard

This is a very tricky topic, because every student learns differently on every ability level therefore, I like to use a combination of various tools. The Essential Elements works great for younger beginners, where the Rubank books are more suited for older or very disciplined students. I like to supplement this with music they might be working on in a school ensemble, or if they have a favorite song they would like to learn, as well as with scale studies and long tones. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music

Fundamentals come from slow practice, and unfortunately, there is no true fun way of doing it. However, I pair technical work with listening assignments, so that the students actually see the point of fundamental training. Hanon is the one book that has stayed with me for two decades and I adhere to its various training regimens very closely. The book itself may be insufficient, but the auxiliary exercises I designed will improve the practice efficiency. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More