Saxophone Lessons in Woodlawn Heights, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I typically start beginner students on the Rubank Elementary Method books for saxophone, clarinet, or flute. These books are a great way to introduce the basic mechanics of the instrument, as well as reading music. I generally like to branch out from the method books as soon as possible, by supplementing the basic reading with other technical studies and pieces. For adults and more advanced students, I like to steer the focus more in the direction of what they want to learn, while still teaching the proper fundamentals of the instrument! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

My philosophy is mainly individualistic. If a student is young, there are many personalities you may encounter- some naturally focused, others not. While I will still aim to deliver essentially the same content, my approach with each child varies based on their attention span and focus. A lack of focus often hints at a creative bent, so I may listen a bit more than with a student naturally prone to taking directions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I have a unique process when dealing with students because I didn't study privately until I got to college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

As a teacher, I am learning from my students as well - each person is a unique journey in the world of music and each person teaches me something about communication, understanding, motivation, time-managing during lessons and in individual practice. My main objective is to make the lessons a joy, a positive, motivating experience, to boost self-confidence and provide enjoyment, fun. I teach different people differently, using my background in psychology of learning, understanding individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

Ive been teaching private lessons for about 5 years at this point and I have really seen how my method for teaching as been rewarding for my students. My students range from multitudes of different musical backgrounds so what I like to do is work on their basic musical foundation by teaching them theory and ear training to be able to understand how music works and how this knowledge applies to their musical development. 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