Saxophone Lessons in Seneca Castle, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as learn the basic techniques on how to play the saxophone. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, regardless of their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am aware of the many people that have a great desire to learn about music. I view it as a language. Once you are able to read write and speak (singing or playing) you are fluent in music. I graduated from the Eastman School of music in 1977 and have played in several bands and sung in a multitude of singing groups during my life. I have taught music in all its forms for 40 years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Again, music is a deeply personal subject and I want to encourage every student to find their unique voice and love for music. My goal is to develop strong all-around music skills along with learning the technique of the instrument they chose. Every student works at a different pace, and I plan accordingly. I like to set reachable, realistic goals for students each week to develop a strong sense of accomplishment and hunger to learn more the following week. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute

I feel that it's very important to see what skill level each student is at in order to meet their needs. I want my students to be challenged during lessons but still have fun playing their instrument. We would work on grasping the fundamentals, such as scales, embouchure, etc. but I will make sure to include things that each student would find challenging, engaging, and fun no matter what their skill level or ability is. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The first thing a teacher must do is figure out how to motivate a student to practice. This can be done differently for different students. I will list some things that I have found that work. 1) Set a practice schedule/timer/alarm 2) I work on mindset and practice techniques to reduce practice session frustration/anxiety and increase positivity and feel good emotions 3) The student selects songs to practice in addition to scales, lesson book or repertoire 4) Parental support and priority 5) Listening to music outside of lesson 6) Practice one concept at a time 7) Limit faster passages to smaller groups of notes, practice slow with different patterns. 8) more in lesson!....... Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

Feeling and noticing that there has been gradual success is key to inspiring students to continue with their instrument. Playing a musical instrument presents numerous challenges mentally, physically, and sometimes emotionally. It is equally up to the teacher and the student to recognize the growth that has occured week to week. As long as the work is being put forth by both parties, finding success (even if small) will not be a difficult feat. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I played many solo performances, joined wind ensemble, played in the All-State band each year and went to the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Toward the end of High School, I grew a new taste for guitar and silently practiced it behind my saxophone, in college, until I was good enough to perform with it. Now I've played shows all around upstate New York as a lead guitarist in several bands and released an album with my primary band, Baker Street. Read More