Saxophone Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching philosophy revolves around one core principle: the joy of musical growth. While technical proficiency is essential, my main goal is to ensure that every student relishes the journey of becoming a better musician. I firmly believe that the more you enjoy the process, the more motivated you become to excel. I emphasize your unique musical taste in my teaching approach because I understand that your personal connection to the material is a powerful motivator. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Accordion

Igor performed at jazz festivals in Ljubljana, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Csfero, at major jazz clubs in New York including the Jazz Standard, Cornelia Street Cafe, Supper Club, Birdland; and venues all over the world with such jazz legends as Reggie Workman, John Abercrombie, Chico Hamilton. In 2011 I was commissioned to create a piece for a closure of European Capital of Culture. With multimedia artist Zeljka Blaksic he created Resistance of the Earth, which is a multimedia project that combines several artistic genres; from video, performance, 16 mm film to live music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I want my students to enjoy their music lessons, I don't want it to feel like a chore. It can be really fulfilling when I see a student playing or singing something with joy! I pay close attention to what exercises students seem to want to spend the most time on and the ones they get frustrated with. This helps me balance the lesson by breaking things up and putting them in an appropriate order so the student will stay engaged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

I began teaching in 2012 when I was awarded the Graduate Assistant position at Western Michigan University. As a G.A., I was responsible for teaching non-music majors saxophone lessons, theory and ear-training, as well as coaching ensembles. I also taught flute and clarinet at Paramount Charter Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan to middle school students. It was a very rewarding experience to teach people of various ages, ability levels, and goals, and allowed me to refine my teaching methods based on the needs of each student. I currently teach music theory, piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute, drums, and composition at Belle Arti Center for the Performing Arts in Queens, NY. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons eight years ago during college. By the end of 2015 I had a studio of over 30 students. I tend to focus on developing a student's sound concept first, so that they can get a beautiful sound out of the instrument at an early age. I also encourage students to play ear-training games and develop an independent melodic sensibility early on. My students have excelled in audition-only honor's ensembles, All-State Bands, band assessments, and some have even written their own songs and performed in recitals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have been teaching saxophone lessons ever since I was 15 years old, when I used to mentor other students who were just starting to play. I am comfortable teaching all ages, and have had students in the past ranging from ages 6 to 50. Teaching is a great joy for me; some of my proudest moments have been at student recitals, watching young musicians play! I have found that the best way to inspire students to improve is by giving them performance opportunities and long term goals to strive for. Read More