Saxophone Lessons in Woodcliff Lake, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching method is different for every student based on age, level, and their musical goals. However, the two things that I try to keep consistent among all of my students is a solid technical foundation and curiosity for different musical styles. For beginners, I typically start with the Rubank Beginner or Intermediate method book. Once the student has progressed to grasp the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce etudes and solo repertoire along with any pop or jazz songs they might want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, along with my own personalized sound and technique exercises. After getting a grasp of the fundamentals - depending on the student's area of interest - I will either begin to introduce classical solo repertoire, jazz theory and transcription or concepts of a style of music the student is particularly interested in otherwise. Music composition is also one of my biggest passions, and I am always willing to introduce the wonderful world of writing your own music to my students, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I start out with the basics: Major Jazz Scales, Mixolydian Scales, and Minor Scales, Teaching students the importance of playing long tones is constantly enforced . Simultaneously, students learn how to outline the Blues, and transcribe solos. For more advance students, I teach jazz phrasing, intermediate jazz song outlining and jazz enclosures. Each student receives a cloud drive with songs, charts, demos and other lesson plans. Students that are really hungry can move along at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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 a 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 Saxophone Flute

I've been coaching students since I was in high school in Seattle, Washington, and have continued throughout college and after. I've worked in several different after-school programs in Boston and now New York, and I am currently running a piano workshop at the Brooklyn New School. In Boston I coached woodwinds at two different El Sistema programs, with emphasis on giving students the chance to perform and inspire themselves through that experience. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Method books vary by instrument and student; there is a wonderful, vast library of methods available, and I like to base my selections on many factors unique to every student. Age, experience level, musical understanding, etc. all inform my choice of course of study. I will always supplement method books with my own exercises and studies tailored to each particular student. Read More