Saxophone Lessons in Whitestone, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

After completing my bachelors degree in 1998 at UC San Diego, where I studied with ground-breaking improvisers George Lewis and Bertram Turetzky I moved to New York City and began teaching privately, as well as performing with a variety of groups, including: the Hungry March Band, the Zagnut Cirkus Orkestar, Ansambl Mastika, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. In 2010 I began working towards a graduate degree at Queens College under the classical saxophone virtuoso Paul Cohen. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe in a very organic and intuitive approach to teaching/learning the saxophone. Of course, my methods will be very different depending on the age group and level of experience each student has, but many of my core principles with remain the same. One of my beliefs as a teacher of the saxophone, is that it is equally as important to foster musicality as it is master technique. Many teachers spend a disproportionate amount of time of technique, and the end result is a very robotic player. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching philosophy revolves around one core principle: the joy of musical growth. While technical proficiency is essential, my main goal is to ensure that every student relishes the journey of becoming a better musician. I firmly believe that the more you enjoy the process, the more motivated you become to excel. I emphasize your unique musical taste in my teaching approach because I understand that your personal connection to the material is a powerful motivator. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I want my students to enjoy their music lessons, I don't want it to feel like a chore. It can be really fulfilling when I see a student playing or singing something with joy! I pay close attention to what exercises students seem to want to spend the most time on and the ones they get frustrated with. This helps me balance the lesson by breaking things up and putting them in an appropriate order so the student will stay engaged. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience started when I was still in college a few years ago. I start with new students by encouraging them to practice and study music consistently, as this is the best way to internalize and truly learn the art. However, I also help students individually by focusing on the goals they are trying to accomplish in their playing. At the same time, I like for students to have fun because it is the failure of the teacher if the student is not having a good time or willing to go through the trials of becoming better at their craft. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am freelance woodwind instrumentalist and teacher living in Brooklyn. I believe that my unique approach to teaching, which combines an emphasis on reading skills with a focus on ear training, is ideally suited to creating a new generation of passionate, skilled and interesting young musicians. I am committed to creating an environment for learning to hear and create music in new ways that is as productive as it is engaging. Read More

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