Saxophone Lessons in East Islip, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a passionate musician and educator who is dedicated to helping students not only learn to play their instrument but to become a well-rounded musician. I love working with students of all ages and sharing my experience and love of classical, jazz and world music styles. I graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance and Music Education, and went on to receive a Master of Music degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from Manhattan School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I began teaching oboe and piano lessons when I was in college at Ball State University, about 8 years ago, and have added the other instruments over the course of the last 5 years. I struggled with intense performance anxiety, and found that singing at open mics relieved some of the stress I felt when I played the oboe. I encourage singing everything through before even touching the instrument, and ask all of my students to get comfortable with singing in lessons, because it's going to happen! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

Although it is important that my students progress at their own pace, I suggest practicing as many 20 minute sessions possible daily, for research has shown that the mind can concentrate most clearly for that length of time. My lessons include Music Theory, Ear Training and Rhythmic Studies in order to save lots of time, by nurturing excellent Musicianship, in addition to learning the instrument, through practicing correctly. I am also an expert at introducing correct playing habits, by instructing students with regards to proper embouchure, breathing and Circular Breathing techniques, as necessary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

Im a skilled, enthusiastic teacher with years of professional teaching and performing experience. Im an established jazz artist in NYC, and I compose and arrange for my own band in addition to performing as a side-person with other musicians. Recently, I performed with my band at The Blue Note Napa in California, and you can also find me at jazz venues throughout NYC as well! Through music, Ive had the opportunity to perform both nationally and internationally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

I do, however, allow diversion and conversation in lessons. If there is a song that may explain the musical idea, we will stop and listen. If a young child wants to relay a story from school they thought of because of our practice, I will stop and listen. I may also speak in depth about musical history, style, or even the psychology of music. I think this combination draws students into the mind of a musician, and gets them to start thinking like one. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

For my beginner piano students, I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures books to help my students learn the basics of reading music. I then like to guide them towards a more wholistic approach to music focusing on learning harmony and melody through the use of lead sheets. This allows students to understand the structure of music so that they can learn music they like by ear and approach any style of music with an open mind and the skills to adapt. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Over the course of many years, I've developed a method for beginning piano and woodwind students which yields excellent results. For the first series of lessons, I want the student to become comfortable in understanding the keyboard or the wind instrument, avoiding the secondary interface of sight reading. There are about twenty short, simple, basic songs I have the student master. At this point, not only are we working on understand the harmonic and melodic "hardware" of the keyboard or horn, but we are developing proper technique in terms of hand position, posture and sound as well as a natural rhythmic feel. Read More