Saxophone Lessons in Elizabeth, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

While my teaching style does depend on the age and level of the student, there are a few values that I maintain. Firstly, one must take good care of their instrument and make sure it is in working order. Often times a student's sound and ability can be compromised by the condition of the instrument they are playing. I make sure to check my student'sinstrumentsfor issues thatcan lead to difficulty in playing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

My teaching process looks like a mountain stream. We start at the top of the mountain, and the goal is to get to the bottom. As I teach using my tried and true techniques, we make our way down, but when I notice that my student needs extra help, or should be pushed more, we detour into another stream until we can return to our main path. Sometimes, we diverge immediately and continue down different paths until we make it to the bottom anyway! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

When I teach beginners, I put my faith in the Hal Leonard Standard of Excellence series for woodwinds. For Pianist, the Suzuki series is quite good, as well as A Dozen A Day and the tried and true Mikrokosmos of Bela Bartok. For more advanced players, I like to work within their preferred style, ie RB, Rock, Classical, but also find it important draw relevant material from other styles like Jazz and non-Western music. 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 Flute

My approach to teaching can be different based on the age and level of the student. In general I like to keep the pressure off my students and above all find ways to make learning fun and enjoyable. My ideal lesson is one that the student will remember, whether it's a concept we talk about or a song that we learn. I try and teach my students more than how to play notes on a page and to learn songs, but how to discover and tackle projects themselves that otherwise might seem too big a challenge. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I started as a part time instructor in music stores while I was still in college in the 1980's and have worked in various public and private schools as a woodwind specialist for over thirty years. I currently operate my own studio where I specialize in woodwinds, keyboards and music theory. I have been with Musika since 2014 and currently have students that have been studying with me for over two years. Read More