Saxophone Lessons in Philadelphia, PA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Hi, my name is Ben. I am a full time musician and music teacher in Philadelphia. I have recently completed my Masters degree in Jazz Performance from Temple University. I moved here after receiving my undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance from Michigan State University. In addition to the tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, I also play and teach flute and clarinet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Ukulele

I have played with an extensive list of musical groups in various styles. I have been a part of the Hazleton Liberty Band (which has roots tracing back to the Civil War) and church groups since high school. In college, I was a part of smal woodwind chamber ensembles, concert band, choirs, marching band, big bands, and small jazz ensembles. I continue to stay active in many diverse musical groups. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods vary greatly depending on the student's goals and experience. Through the first few years of study, an emphasis on the fundamentals of music and instrumental skills is required. This typically takes the form of a beginning method book. For students beyond this phase of study, advanced technique work takes the form of scale, chord, and interval studies. I couple these with the development of repertoire that fits the needs and goals of that student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

On our first lesson I interview my students to get a sence on what types of music they like and what sparked their interest in learning the saxophone. Depending on the student that will be the methods to be used for example Essential Elements, Rubank etc Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe Bassoon

My teaching style can vary with each student each student has a different level of learning accessibility time restraints etc. One of the most important things I try to teach is the student to be his own teacher and whenever practicing whether it be 15 or 20 minutes when they are done with that practice session they have accomplished something some sort of improvement I have studied with teachers from the New York Philharmonic the metropolitan opera and the New York City ballet Orchestra they have all taught me and I pass on to the student to break down whatever they were playing and approach it in a patient manner by repeating and eventually getting their end result Whether it’s a few notes in a piece or a whole solo or exercise Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More