Saxophone Lessons in West Hartford, CT

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: 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 Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

For novice students, I will most likely start with a method book such as one from the Essential Element's series. However, I will typically move students through the method book quickly and get right into performance repertoire that is appropriate for their age and level. Composing your own pieces and learning to improvise are extremely important in my method of teaching so I will also start teaching students how to write their own music as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe

For younger students, I typically assist and follow the method books students are working on. For example, they may use Standards of Excellence or Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements. These lesson books are crucial to teaching the fundamentals as a student is beginning to learn an instrument. I will break away from the books and introduce appropriate solo repertoire. I will also be mindful to the interests of the students to keep them engaged. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

After graduating from Temple University, in 2017 I performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA; the New England Saxophone Symposium at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; as well as a solo and chamber music recital at Smith College in Northampton, MA. The performance at Smith College included a premiere quartet piece entitled Women of the Wall dedicated to the Women of the Wall Non-profit Organization in Jerusalem. 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

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