Saxophone Lessons in Winthrop, MA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

Of course, every student is different, and an integral part of my philosophy involves getting to know each student so that I may learn their creative preferences, strengths, and weaknessness. I do not shy away from books, I do indeed enjoy working out of the Hal Leonard collection because I appreciate the step by step structure. This may apply less to guitar, however, if the student's primary ambitions are to learn songs by Green Day or The Beatles, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

From then on, we can start on method books--I generally use either Essential Elements or Standard of Excellence--and some extra short pieces I compose for them based on their needs. I also spend time working on ear training and overtone control as soon a I think a student is ready. The sooner they learn these elements, the easier it will be for them to learn more. For more advanced students, I like basing lessons around repertoire, but that repertoire can vary a great deal based on their needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For beginners I often start with the Standard of Excellence, but it does not take long before we start to get into more individualized education. For example, a student may be bound for high school jazz band, in which case we will immediately begin on music theory and scale/mode practice from as early as 5th grade. On the other hand, I may have a high school flute student who wants to audition for conservatory, in which case I would use some Marcel Moyse books, orchestral excerpt practice, and standard solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Recorder

For beginning students I like to start with a method book, such as "Tradition of Excellence". This allows students to start from the very beginning, especially if the student does not have previous music reading experience. I teach reading and playing hand in hand so that it becomes a memorized process. After working through the method book, I will create individualized lesson plans, to include solo repertoire, band music, or other methods books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music

But more importantly, she can become her own judge of the sounds she makes. She has obtained an increased appreciation of classical music and improved her sensitivity to musical details. My third student had the strongest background, but the weakest connection to music initially. I have helped her listen rather than play. As she gradually develops a sense of good sound, her playing changed dramatically, and her practice management improved. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

If they want to make their school's concert band, or state's district or allstate band, we can work on the required rep. If they'd like to learn to improvise or get better at improvisation no matter what style of music (I believe a diverse musican is a complete musician), I have many ways to help students improve, focusing on performing licks in 12 keys, song study and transcription, "hearing before you play," and jamming with me! Read More