Saxophone Lessons in Westwood, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I am a saxophone player, composer, and educator based in upper Manhattan. I grew up in Massachusetts, where I attended the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, and later went to the University of Manitoba on a full scholarship to study with Jon Gordon. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I toured across Canada with several bands, and then moved to New York to continue my professional career. I have had the honor of playing in jazz festivals across Canada and in the States as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My approach to teaching is simple. I believe every student has a lens through which music feels exciting and natural. My job as a teacher is to help you discover it. For beginners, you might call this developing an interest or passion for music. Whether you're young or old, this is one of my favorite challenges as a teacher. For advanced players, it may be more about finding your voice, or dealing with issues of ego, purpose, technique, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Most importantly, we are all here to have fun and enjoy playing music.  I always encourage my students to take risks, have a laugh and ask questions.  I work to build the student's confidence in their playing, ability to practice well, ability to perform in public and ability to be comfortable making mistakes.  We all progress at various rates and progress at any level is an accomplishment that each student should be proud to achieve.  If a student or parent of a student expresses their interested to move forward in a serious capacity, I am more than happy to encourage such movement. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

For beginning students, I start with Accent on Achievement, book one. Once the student has gotten a grasp of the fundamentals, I then introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student. I will always reference the method book if students are having trouble with a certain technique. For beginning jazz students, I start with the Greg Fishman Jazz books. Once students have mastered this book, I then switch to the omnibook and real book and allow students to learn and try to improvise a solo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Keyboard

I basically teach as I've been taught by the masters. There are musical essentials that must be mastered for every musician, with no exceptions. By completing one level of proficiency one moves on to the next level, and so on. Eventually students are able to grow to become masters themselves. This has always been the case throughout history, and in all fields for that matter. Never allow yourself to get bogged down by futility; there is always another way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

I have ten years of experience teaching and seventeen years of experience playing saxophone. I began teaching private lessons in high school part time 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio or at students homes. I've also taught music at many residential treatment facilities and programs with kids with special needs or severe psychiatric conditions. My goal as an educator is to help instill and grow the desire to be the best you can be at your instrument. Read More