Saxophone Lessons in Lincroft, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I prefer to let students advance at their own pace so that they don't feel rushed and get discouraged. For younger students/beginners I keep an open line to the parents for extra support. I bring my instrument to the lesson and demonstrate as I teach. I center on encouragement and emphasizing a student's successes. I will change a lesson book/publisher if I sense that the student is either struggling with a particular book, or is not being challenged in a particular method and is becoming bored. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

After completing my bachelors degree in 1998 at UC San Diego, where I studied with ground-breaking improvisers George Lewis and Bertram Turetzky I moved to New York City and began teaching privately, as well as performing with a variety of groups, including: the Hungry March Band, the Zagnut Cirkus Orkestar, Ansambl Mastika, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. In 2010 I began working towards a graduate degree at Queens College under the classical saxophone virtuoso Paul Cohen. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons eight years ago during college. By the end of 2015 I had a studio of over 30 students. I tend to focus on developing a student's sound concept first, so that they can get a beautiful sound out of the instrument at an early age. I also encourage students to play ear-training games and develop an independent melodic sensibility early on. My students have excelled in audition-only honor's ensembles, All-State Bands, band assessments, and some have even written their own songs and performed in recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My main priority as an educator is to keep music fun and enjoyable while you progress on a path towards mastery of an instrument. Music is an art and a discipline, but it's purpose has always been to provide entertainment, share feelings, incite dance, and accompany celebration. To retain that passion for music while you learn, the focus has to always be on sound, not concepts. You should hear yourself often, be able to hear your improvement, and be able to point towards a tangible goal for your playing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My lessons vary from student to student, but are generally comprised of two parts. The first part involves working out a method book or classical etude book, depending on the level of the student. I believe that working out of a book is a great way to cover many of the fundamental bases of being an instrumentalist, such as reading music, developing technique, developing a good sound, playing with good rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More