Saxophone Lessons in West Islip, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been privately teaching since 2012, primarily teaching high school students in between classes in college. In 2017 I was offered a Graduate Teaching Assistantship from Florida State University, where I was assigned eight students and two saxophone quartets, as well as teaching the saxophone portion of the Woodwind Fundamentals class that was offered. These opportunities have given me a chance to refine my teaching style to cater to what each student needs, from sight-reading practicing, to playing duets together. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

As a teacher, I am learning from my students as well - each person is a unique journey in the world of music and each person teaches me something about communication, understanding, motivation, time-managing during lessons and in individual practice. My main objective is to make the lessons a joy, a positive, motivating experience, to boost self-confidence and provide enjoyment, fun. I teach different people differently, using my background in psychology of learning, understanding individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

The first thing I like to establish with my students is a solid practice routine. There is no formula that works perfectly for everyone, but I do have a very good system which can easily be altered to fit each students individual needs. The next step is to set realistic goals. When students have a clear vision of what they are working towards, it is much easier to stay motivated and on track to achieving those goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching emphasizes development of the most important fundamentals of woodwind technique. Using a wide variety of repertoire and exercises, I focus on developing a solid foundation for tone production/intonation, articulation, and digital dexterity. At the same time, I encourage students to explore repertoire and style, both for listening and for performing, to help them find the music they really love. Methods books I use to help develop technique include: Rubank for all woodwinds Deville for saxophone Klose for clarinet Moise for flute Charlie Parker Omnibook for jazz studies Repertoire for performance can include anything the student requests, as well as basic material in a variety of western and eastern styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I work with students to get them to a level where they can enoy the music they like. I want my students to bring music thay want to explore and I work with them to be able to play with enthusiasm. Music is an endless science as one of my professors said "The more you learn the more you realize what you don't know". Tone and harmonics are essential for saxophone playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style is seasoned but spontaneous. By that I mean that at this point I have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. I have a proven repertoire of exercises and advice that have helped students and will continue to do so. But every student has a unique set of needs, so I am excited to throw away the 'play book' at the first sign that it's not working. Read More