Saxophone Lessons in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

For my beginning students, I start off with Hal Leonard's Absolute Beginners - Alto Saxophone method book to start them off with the basic fundamentals of reading music and playing the saxophone. For my more advanced students, I introduce fundamental saxophone techniques as well as solo repertoire. For adults, I encourage them to come up with a set of goals, and I set up each lesson so that we meet these goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I began teaching woodwinds when I was 18 while attending Northern Illinois University. I would help junior high and high school students in the area in private lessons. At age 23 I began teaching music courses at Istanbul Bilgi University, in Turkey. After leaving Turkey in 2001, I have focused on private lessons, teaching students of all ages and ability levels. I have been fortunate enough to perform with many incredible world-class musicians such as Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Tito Puente, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Toots Thielemans, Paquito DRivera and Gerald Albright. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner students, I typically start with rote lessons that teach the basics of the instruments. Then, I move into performing basic, pedagogically-appropriate scales, and begin curriculum in the Rubank Elementary Method books. For more advanced students, I usually have them start with the intermediate or advanced method books, and we learn more advanced major and minor scales, followed by arpeggios and chords (if on piano.) Overall, my main objective is for students to have fun and make meaningful connections. Read More

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

Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I've been teaching music in many different capacities for eight years now. Most recently, I served as the music instructor/curriculum designer for Manhattan Youth at The Computer School. Privately, I've taught students of all ages and experience levels, with focuses on saxophone sound, technique, music theory, aural skills, reading music, and improvisation. My performance experience includes classical clarinet and saxophone repertoire, jazz, klezmer, funk, rock, rb, country, pop, disco, latin, and folk music, allowing me to relate to students from a broad range of interests and experience levels. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

When an instrument is physically easy to play, it is much more enjoyable to practice! Other areas that I focus on include posture, breath support, emboucher, and reed placement. These are fundamentals of a woodwind player, and with some attention can make the playing experience that much more gratifying. I also encourage students to learnaboutthe history of the music they are studying and theirinstrument. I have a great passion for thetraditionand history of western music, and findthat knowledge of this tradition can inspire one to improve and study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I focus on tone production, articulation and phrasing. Sight reading, improvisation and music theory follow next. With clarinet and saxophone students I spend a lot of time on reed selection and care. There are so many misconceptions about reed strength and how it relates to mouthpieces that I could talk about it all day (and usually do). I work on clarinets and saxophones every day and consider myself proficient in identifying problems with instruments and then fixing those problems. Read More