Saxophone Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a driven instructor who loves nothing more than seeing his students play things they never thought possible. Originally from Montana, I moved to New York City five years ago to pursue a degree in jazz performance at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Since graduation, I have kept a busy teaching schedule as well as performing both locally and throughout the country. During my time in NYC I have also been fortunate enough to perform with some of my musical heroes including Adam Nussbaum, Doug Weiss, and Matt Wilson. 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I approach each student individually, working with strengths and addressing weaknesses in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Individual musical interests (such as jazz, pop, classical, or rock genres) are incorporated into each lesson, helping to streamline and facilitate the learning process. Lessons focus on:Beginning students learn to make music from the first lesson starting with simplesongs, and eventually withme joining in playing duets at each lesson. Tone production Finger technique Music notation Rhythm Sight reading Playing by ear Phrasing and interpretation Improvisation At each lesson we work with short term goals, leading to long term improvement. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For younger students, I find that book based methods are very helpful, and typically I go through the Hal Leonard Essential Elements Series. Once the student has a firm handle of the basics of saxophone (fingerings, embouchure, dynamics, etc.) then I start having them read etude books, and prepare pieces for recitals and other performances or auditions. For adults, I like to teach based on a goal oriented program. For example, If I have a student who is only interested in learning the saxophone for the sake of playing "Yakety Sax" or "The Pink Panther Theme", then I will tailor the lesson plan towards learning that while still working on the fundamentals of Saxophone along the way. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Originally from Croton On Hudson, NY, I am a lover of all the aspects of music! I was the Valedictorian of the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2013, and I also attended Manhattan School of Music for two years prior. Music is my life, and I am a passionate performer and teacher. I have had much experience performing, recording and teaching in the the NYC/Hudson Valley areas for over 5 years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

It is important to adopt a teaching style that is tailored to the individual needs of each student, especially because each student learns at their own pace. Setting goals is one of the first topics I discuss with my students, and then indicate some of the steps they need to take to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Keeping track of a student's hours of practice and their musical achievements is beneficial for me to determine what new material and concepts to work on, and also allows the student to stay organized and motivated.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

He became interested in classical music when his elementary school class took monthly trips to the New York Philharmonic, and this is where he discovered his love for the flute as an instrument. “The flute always stood out to me because it was the highest and brightest voice,” he remembers. In elementary school, he began his flute studies through a scholarship program sponsored by the New York Philharmonic at the Lucy Moses School. Read More