Saxophone Lessons in Morningside Heights, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

It is very important to me that each student is having fun, and enjoying the process of learning the saxophone. Students will always have the opportunity to bring their own music/projects into our lessons, in addition to the work we will do on the fundamentals, technique, tone production, etc. We will cover all areas of the saxophone, and music to produce a highly educated musician and performer. With an understanding of a students level, goals, and passions, I will be able to formulate a plan for the student to be proficient in all areas of the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style is focused on playing as much as possible and encouraging good practice habits. The most important thing I can do as a teacher is teach my students good practice habits! This includes showing students not only WHAT to practice, but HOW to practice it. By spending as much time as possible in the lesson playing together, I have found that my students have more fun playing in the lesson, learn more, and in turn practice more during the week! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I have been playing music since I was in 6th grade, and have been playing in bands on and off since high school. While I do not have an academic background in music per se, I have years of experience teaching children and adults, and I feel I can teach you just as well as I have taught my other students in the past, and honestly myself---I started playing saxophone (in 6th grade as I previously mentioned), and in more recent years I have started playing piano, guitar, and harmonica (in that order of competence). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

I typically tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. In general, I will allocate appropriate Etudes, Scales, and Repertoire that is inline with their abilities and the standards of their particular instrument. If they are preparing for an upcoming performance or audition, that may take precedent. But I also think there is equal need for unstructured time that allows students to explore music as a creativity medium via music listening, exploratory exercises, improvisation, or even composition. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start beginners off with the Rubank Elementary Method, which introduces reading, scales, arpeggios, and expressive devices such as dynamics and articulation. I also like students to start with improvisation, composition, and ear training as soon as possible. I encourage them to both work on whatever repertoire interests them and find new types of music they don't know they're interested in yet. More advanced students may progress to some of the more advanced music theory, technical etude books, and scale/arpeggio exercises. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

I started playing in the 4th grade. I played in RB bands in high school and enrolled at Berklee College of Music where I have a Bachelor Degree in Composition. I also studied privately with Charles Banacos (increible piano and jazz teacher), Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Viola, Joe Allard ( whose Saxophone methods I teach, who was the teacher of every major saxophone player in his day including Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, and countless others ) , learned circle breathing from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, recorded 2 albums at Grammavision with Al Macdowell (Bass player for 40 years with Ornette Coleman). recodered and learned as much as I could grasp from Don Cherry and Ornette. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style revolves around the students’ needs and desires in the music. I like to have a balance of exercises that are centered around developing technical facility and developing the ears of the students. Each student is assessed on what they wish to learn and their own capabilities. I like to give a push into a direction that challenges my students but still allows for them to benefit from and enjoy the music. Read More