Saxophone Lessons in Watchung, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

I believe strongly that passion is infectious, and is key to my teaching. I ask all of my student to set realistic goals and treat our progress as a journey in which we will gradually pick up the skills to grow with steady work. This comes from enjoying the “artistic process” and can only be discovered when we move together at a pace that is comfortable for the student. The only requirement I have for any budding musicians is that we both be open-minded and willing to listen using our ears and mind (this goes for me too!). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I approach each student individually, working with strengths and addressing weaknesses in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Individual musical interests (such as jazz, pop, classical, or rock genres) are incorporated into each lesson, helping to streamline and facilitate the learning process. Lessons focus on:Beginning students learn to make music from the first lesson starting with simplesongs, and eventually withme joining in playing duets at each lesson. Tone production Finger technique Music notation Rhythm Sight reading Playing by ear Phrasing and interpretation Improvisation At each lesson we work with short term goals, leading to long term improvement. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. 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: 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been teaching privately since 2002. I have guest lectured at Manhattan School of Music, University of Toronto, Humber College, and have given clinics at numerous high schools and colleges in Canada and the United States. I have also taught at seven different music camps. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Method books vary by instrument and student; there is a wonderful, vast library of methods available, and I like to base my selections on many factors unique to every student. Age, experience level, musical understanding, etc. all inform my choice of course of study. I will always supplement method books with my own exercises and studies tailored to each particular student. Read More