Saxophone Lessons in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is different. I tailor my teaching style to fit the needs of and goals of each individual student musician. Beginning students, especially children, need more guidance and structure to the lessons to get started, but its still important to keep them interested , engaged and having fun, so Ill typically integrate lessons on basic technique with songs that children already know. For intermediate and advanced students I tend to take a more flexible approach, paying special attention to what the student wants to get out of the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching method is roughly similar, whether you are young or old, a beginner or advanced. I believe in staying as close to music as possible; exercises have their place, but if we can use actual music to teach technique, sound, articulation, harmony, or any other topic, all the better. As a teacher, I consider a large part of my role simply curating the music you hear and learn, combining both your interests with your skill level and needs as an instrumentalist. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

This helped me find new paths to play my music especially since rap stars started wearing my brand. Because of my celebrity status as a clothing designer I was able to attract upscale Chicago clothier Bigsby and Kruthers who sponsored my Chicago Jazz musical tours. Also, accompanied by the great Chicago poet Malik Yusef, I got a chance to perform with legendary rapper Common on his Album "One Day It Will All Make Sense." In 2001, I was offered a job to teach at the Fashion Institute of Technology (still there). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

I encourage the students to listen to music, and above all, I encourage them to enjoy it, while teaching the discipline. The study will not be a burden if the student has fun while playing. One of my goals is that, at the end of the lesson, the students go home with the desire to play again and again. I also think that learning, and preparing oneself to play is a daily activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am looking for students who have the time and energy to dedicate themselves to practicing a minimum of four times per week. My lessons are fast paced and fun, and students who practice regularly can expect to see noticeable improvement in their playing each week. In each lesson I will introduce some new techniques and will work with you on scales, fundamentals, exercises from a method book, and music (classical, jazz, or both, depending on the player's preferences). Read More