Saxophone Lessons in Waban, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

I am a life-long musician [age 5 - present] from a family of musicians who have played with everyone from Fanny Brice (my grandfather) to Benny Goodman (my mother) to Steve Miller (myself). I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston , MA from 1975-1979 and left (5 weeks short of my degree) to perform in a rock band who toured for 5 years in the US and Canada. Having played everywhere from Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Colorado to Elkhorn Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho to Valdez, Alaska to Cobo Hall in Detroit,Michigan, I have lengthy performance credentials and even more varied experience in the styles and situations that I have performed in that include: rock band, orchestra, concert band, jazz combo, folk duo, Big Band, marching band, drum corps, celtic rock band, traditonal gaelic ceili, flute choir, pit band, church choir, chorus, show choir, vocal solo, commercial voice-overs, vocal duet, musical theatre, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe that fundamentals are the basis of a great music education. Reading skills, playing skills, and ear training are all extremely important to learning music. For me, seeing the development of a student over time and seeing them meet their goals is one of the best feelings in the world. That is why, in my instruction, I try to set realistic and reasonable goals for each skill level to hit that are more defined than state standards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

Every Saturday morning throughout high school I volunteered my time mentoring young saxophonists just starting out with the instrument. I was surprised, initially, at just how rewarding an experience this turned out to be. But soon I realized just how powerful an experience learning music can be, and how incredible the opportunity is to be able to help people through that experience in a fun and engaging way. Arriving at college I began tutoring part time, during which I honed my teaching skills in a more professional setting. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For beginners I often start with the Standard of Excellence, but it does not take long before we start to get into more individualized education. For example, a student may be bound for high school jazz band, in which case we will immediately begin on music theory and scale/mode practice from as early as 5th grade. On the other hand, I may have a high school flute student who wants to audition for conservatory, in which case I would use some Marcel Moyse books, orchestral excerpt practice, and standard solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start of my lessons by asking how much the student practiced for the week. Then I ask them if there was anything that was confusing for them so we can work on that first. I let the student pick what they want to start with first and then I will pick the next exercise. I finish with giving them a homework assignment and making sure they understand what to practice for next week. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have always felt such a deep sense of satisfaction when a student finally nails a difficult tune or passage, or is introduced to something in music that blows their mind. Nothing is better than inspiring a student to grow and progress, and that has always been at the core of my teaching style. I always want to strike the balance between constructive criticism and praising accomplishment in our lessons, as I understand that realistically not everyone wants to play music professionally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Oboe English Horn Keyboard

Over the years, I have come to understand that each individual has a different path to follow. Teaching in one specific way could help one student, but that same way could hamper another. For that reason, I create my teaching material after meeting my students. Although I have a lesson plan that includes the fundamentals of music, I adjust the way I teach the material in response to my students needs, interests and temperaments. Read More