Saxophone Lessons in Paterson, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

After graduating from college, I began teaching privately in my home state of Texas at the middle and high school levels in New Braunfels and Austin. Soon, I began teaching adults as well and when I moved to Washington D.C. in fall of 2006, I became the Music Instructor at The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, a center for adults with developmental disabilities. This experience had a great impact on me in terms of understanding the big picture in that the goals and methods relating to the technical aspects of music lessons, but the grand value that music offers in terms of the emotional and spiritual rewards as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I like to think that I am even-handed with my students: put in the work and show respect, and you will get the same. My teaching style is pretty heavily implied in the above sentence---when the student enters my studio, we will warm up with scales, chords, and modes. Then we will learn whatever new concept we will be learning that day, and finally end the lesson by doing the fun stuff (ie: playing actual songs). 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: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

My relationship with music making began at the age of 7 when I begrudgingly agreed to take piano lessons at the nudging of my parents. In the first lesson, my teacher taught me the theme from The Simpsons, and I was sold. It would be years before I would actually become competent at turning notes on a page into something musically expressive, but that day I went home knowing I had found something special, and that inertia has carried me to where I am today. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Credits include: The Music Man, Chicago, How to Succeed in Business, Ragtime, Song Man Dance Man, Urinetown, Scrooge in Concert. Dan attended the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School and participated in the Humber College Community Music School Program. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Alex Dean Tim Ries, as well as a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with Dave Liebman Jim McNeely. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

For beginning students I always start by asking what they hope to gain or what attracts them to music. Having an understanding of an individuals needs is the first step. From there I follow with fundamentals using Rubank Elementary Method on their respective instrument. for someone who already has an understanding of their musical goals I accommodate my lesson plans based on their current state along with adding exercises that will help ease any difficulties they may be having. Read More