Saxophone Lessons in Woodbury, CT

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Piccolo

I love seeing a student gain an understanding of a concept that had been challenging. In order to accomplish this "aha" moment, I try to learn how the student learns best (visual aids, explanations, listening examples) and use that to help the student. I use popular songs that the student knows to explain concepts that can be challenging. I use stickers for younger students to help mark progress and practice journals for older students to help see how much was accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is grounded in my own absolute love for music! This passion translates through in my teaching, which hopefully results in successful student learning. I also believe that the teacher needs to develop a rapport with the student, in order for successful learning. Furthermore, as previously stated, I've studied pedagogy at the undergraduate level. I realize what it takes to be a successful teacher, and believe in the importance of exposing young people, as well as folks of all ages, to music and the arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

Beginning piano students will start with some beginning books supplemented by ear training, scales (in all keys!), and exercises to get them up and running. With older students, I work with their goals in mind. Preparing for college auditions, a solo at school, or songs they hear and want to learn; for a student interested in jazz, we may work on learning tunes and transcribing by ear. I'm a very well rounded musician and flexible teacher. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

After graduating from college I joined the Peace Corps. I spent 2 years in Tehran, Iran playing in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. I returned to the U.S. and went back to school to get my Masters degree. I worked as a music teacher in the Bronx, N.Y. for several years. After that I worked at an electronic music studio in Hawthorne, N.Y. The studio eventually shut down and I began teaching Band at the Stamford Public Schools where I taught music at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Keyboard

I am fortunate to have met, associated and studied with, performed and recorded with some of the greatest musical minds of the innovators of traditional modern jazz, and also a few of the eternally legendary classical musicians. I have two degrees in music but more important is the gift that I have been given to know these amazing people in my life. I've received three National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Fellowships to pursue music in the direction of my choice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe one of the most important things in teaching is meeting the student where they are. It is vital to know a student and their strengths and weaknesses before giving them cookie-cutter assignments. As such, much of the early stages of my lessons involve a fair amount of adjustments and experimentation until we find the pace and flow that works for the student. Once we have found that pace, setting realistic goals and finding ways to engage and encourage the student to keep up a consistent practice schedule become the main priority. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Proper technique, learning the notes, and learning how to practice effectively is a great place to start. Even ten minutes a day is better than not practicing. Making lessons fun and giving students tools to bring home is very important to me. An example is learning some excersises to get the notes under your fingers, and some chords and scales to practice at home. The excersises will create and maintain proper technique. Read More