Saxophone Lessons in Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone

One of the most valuable life skills that music lessons can impart is the skill of objective self-analysis. This means being honest with oneself, both about areas that need improvement (weaknesses), but also existing strengths! I encourage students to use this skill in a musical context, with the hope that they then carry it out into other parts of their lives. My greatest strength as a teacher is my flexibility- I make sure to prepare for every lesson, but if a student comes in with a curveball that takes the lesson in a new direction, I'm happy to go with the flow, and to try and build and expose the deeper relationships between different areas of music and the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began my teaching days informally when I was still a student at Fairport High School. Some family friends wanted to learn how to play saxophone, so I began teaching them. Next thing I knew, I had a small-time music studio in my parents' basement! I was teaching saxophone as well as jazz improvisation at that time. I took a break from teaching when I went to college, and began teaching again the summer after I graduated. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Although trained in standard teaching methods, I have developed my own method of teaching based off of my commitment to nurturing a love for music in each student. I aim to positively enhance the student's strength, dexterity, and techniques while building a lasting interest in music. My goal as a teacher is specifically designed to help you achieve your goals as an artist and a musician. In early lessons, I focus on developing an understanding of the student's goals and personal interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Growing up in a musical family instilled a love of music as a child. My father was an accomplished jazz pianist and when I was 15 years old I began playing professionally. I had great teachers in my formative years, from my father, my band directors and to my private instructors, I learned that developing simple concepts to tackle seemingly complex ideas was the key to my success. I graduated from Texas State University in 2001 with a B.A. in Music Performance. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I am a positive, friendly, smiling person and I want my students to first of all feel good about coming to lessons and being with me. I am always flexible about the necessity of practicing and preparing homework, because many students do not have enough time to dedicate to practicing and I totally understand that. There is a balance to be achieved between a student's feeling of having progress and his/her lack of time to work on playing the instrument of his/her choice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

My teaching style is simple: let the student decide what they want to pursue, and then push them in that direction! After all, that's how I was trained. My only goal is that the student is excited about what they are learning and playing. I will tailor every lesson plan to the student's personal interests, and make sure that goals are realistic such that the student feels that they are making progress. Read More