Saxophone Lessons in West Hartford, CT

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I want my students to succeed, but also make the lessons enjoyable for them. Each student progresses by how much they practice, and their focus during the lessons. I believe that each student progresses at their own pace, and each student should be evaluated for the best method of improvement. I believe in positive reinforcement. Making students aware of their progress is important for self motivation, which I think is essential to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More

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

It's important that the students set goals for their playing as well, this helps with the self-motivation to practice. It could be something as simple as next week I want to play the single note that has been giving me trouble, or as advanced as I want to be able to play this solo piece from memory in three months. Progression in private lessons is all about the motivation of the student, so I try to give them as much motivation as possible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe

I have been providing private and group lessons through the New England Youth Wind Ensembles for over three years. I have experience with online, as well as in-person lessons. I encourage regular practice to all students, as it is important to develop daily and weekly routines. I will assist students with any materials they bring to a lesson, whether it’s repertoire from school or audition materials. I will introduce a variety of materials to ensure students are developing an appreciation for music of all cultures and styles. Read More

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

Proper technique, learning the notes, and learning how to practice effectively is a great place to start. Even ten minutes a day is better than not practicing. Making lessons fun and giving students tools to bring home is very important to me. An example is learning some excersises to get the notes under your fingers, and some chords and scales to practice at home. The excersises will create and maintain proper technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching music since I attended high school and have continued to do so for the past 6 years. Improvisation and expression are key points I like to emphasize in all my students, as anyone can sit down and practice scales until their fingers fall off, but being able to express yourself through a musical instrument takes dedicated work and direction. My students are made to create as much as they are made to perform, as understanding how music works and the theory behind it is achievable regardless of level or age. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I began taking private students two years ago with an age range of 14 years old to 62 years old. Since beginning my Master's Degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, I am the TA for the Saxophone Department and I currently have 8 students (Freshman and Sophomore Undergraduates). I like to emphasize fundamentals to my students and each week hold them accountable for retaining these fundamental skills such as finger placement and technique, posture and air support and maintaining a steady embouchure. Read More