Saxophone Lessons in Whitestone, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

I never work exclusively from one book or another. Finally, I'm a strong believer in the importance of having a strong ability with and (even more importantly!) understanding of the fundamentals of the saxophone, and of music itself. This means guided practice of the basic exercises in lessons, and guided analysis/breakdown of music to see the inner patterns at work. For my students that want them, I create practice guides after each lesson (written music with exercises discussed) and send follow up emails with suggestions for things to focus on in that week's practice. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

After the first couple of lessons, I will set goals with the student, and their parent (if the student is a child.) Being able to acknowledge that a goal has been met allows the student to have a desire to continue with the instrument they are learning. Passing goals and allows the student eager to learn. By finding out what the student wants to learn, I can successfully tailor my instruction to the student's need and wants. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

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

I have been teaching private music lessons since I was 18 and my International travels and performances have given me the opportunity to conduct master classes at some of the prestigious musical academies across Europe. Music truly is international. Now more than ever global music is available instantly through the advent of smart phones and the internet, as well as music throughout history. Still, it is a gift to have a passion for music and each individual is given their own path that they must follow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

After graduating from college, I began teaching privately in my home state of Texas at the middle and high school levels in New Braunfels and Austin. Soon, I began teaching adults as well and when I moved to Washington D.C. in fall of 2006, I became the Music Instructor at The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, a center for adults with developmental disabilities. This experience had a great impact on me in terms of understanding the big picture in that the goals and methods relating to the technical aspects of music lessons, but the grand value that music offers in terms of the emotional and spiritual rewards as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student responds differently to a method of teaching. Some react better to being challenged while others respond better to encouragement and positive reinforcement. It is my responsibility to find the method for each student and adapt accordingly. Another factor that is not constant among all students is their pace. I make sure that each student has goals that they can achieve at their current level, to avoid extreme frustration and to always keep them moving forward. Read More