Saxophone Lessons in Oxford, CT

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

As a Saxophonist and Clarinetist I prescribe to the Joe Allard method of embouchure and technique that has been codified and popularized by saxophone master and pedagog, Dave Liebman, from whom I have taken countless classes. For my classical students, I like to use the Rubank method books. For more advanced students, I am a huge fan of the Rose Studies for Clarinet and the Ferling studies for Saxophone. Both of these books not only provide great etudes for technique but also are great studies in musicality, theory and interpretation. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically will start them on a method book such as The Yamaha series, and start them on the basic pedagogy of the clarinet and saxophone,ie; putting the instrument together, putting the reed on the mouthpiece, setting the embouchure, etc. I will emphasize the importance of practicing; beginners, 5 times a week for 20 minutes, so they can succeed in learning their instrument. For Intermediate students, in Middle and High School for example, I will include the reportoire they are playing in their school performing groups, so they can excel in those. 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 Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I believe that every student is unique and deserves a unique approach from myself as a teacher, so I do not stick to regimented lesson plans. I work each week to plan out how best to convey the information needed, but if things need to change in the lesson, I adapt to provide what is needed for the student to still grow. There should be no lesson where the student walks away having learned nothing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching music since I attended high school and have continued to do so for the past 6 years. Improvisation and expression are key points I like to emphasize in all my students, as anyone can sit down and practice scales until their fingers fall off, but being able to express yourself through a musical instrument takes dedicated work and direction. My students are made to create as much as they are made to perform, as understanding how music works and the theory behind it is achievable regardless of level or age. Read More