Saxophone Lessons in Caldwell, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For beginning students I always start by asking what they hope to gain or what attracts them to music. Having an understanding of an individuals needs is the first step. From there I follow with fundamentals using Rubank Elementary Method on their respective instrument. for someone who already has an understanding of their musical goals I accommodate my lesson plans based on their current state along with adding exercises that will help ease any difficulties they may be having. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

In the past four years at Northwestern University, I consistently taught music to students in their homes privately. I encouraged regular practice and a consistent weekly schedule, especially for younger students. I believe that the faster students see positive results of their hard work, the more likely they are to remain passionate and excited about their musical careers. I enjoy preparing my students for concerts, recitals, school talent shows (and any other opportunity) by maintaining high standards, efficiently using lesson time, and combining pedagogically sound teaching with an excellent model for my students to mirror. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. 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

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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Over the years, my students have consistently placed high in the Western Region Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra, and several of them have gone on to the extremely competitive Connecticut All-State Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra. Four of my students have successfully auditioned for the summer program at Interlochen. I have had two of my high school aged students have gone on to Harvard, one to Amherst, and three to Yale - all of whom played in the Yale Concert Band, Yale Jazz Ensemble, and/or Yale Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I love teaching and in my 30-years-teaching experience I have had many students of various cultural backgrounds, European, Jewish, American. I am primarily an active performing musician and composer, bandleader and arranger, therefore I can help students of all levels, from very beginner to very advanced. My goal is to give a student enough foundation to have fun playing music and enjoy the sounds. I also teach reading music and music theory. Read More