Gordon S  

5

  5.0 (3)

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Country, Showtunes, Spirituals, Marching Band

I have taught all ages from third grade to elderly adult and can adapt to any situation. I love to instill a love for music in a young person so they can enjoy it for many years and possibly go on to biggerr and better things. I have Bergen students who have gone on to 4 year colleges to continue their studies.

I began teaching private lessons while still finishing college.While doing my student teaching at Nanuet, NY highschool, I was the Adjunct instructor of brass at Baptist Bible College in PA. (Now Summit University). While there I directed the brass ensemble and taught trumpet, French Horn, baritone, and tuba. My first full time teaching position was in Congers New York at Lakewood Elementary School. I taught group and some individual lessons on flute, clarinet, saxophone,violin, cello, trumpet , trombone, and baritone. I directed the marching band and concert band as well as the chorus and classroom general music lessons. My second full time position was at Hackensack Christian School (NJ) (Now Bergen County Christian Academy). While there I taught all music, choral and instrumental from grade one through highschool. I taught all the winds, brass, and strings, choirs, general music, and music theory and appreciation. In 1977 I left teaching in schools and devoted my career to church music. I directed choirs and orchestras in several New York/New Jersey area churches for over 40 years. Since 2002 I have been on the faculty at Bergen Community College as an adjunct professor. Over my 20 years there, besides my classroom instruction, I have taught private lessons on all brass instruments and several woodwind instruments including flute, clarinet, and alto & baritone saxes. For five years I taught as an adjunct at Nyack College and besides music appreciation I was the college tuba instructor. I am currently also an adjunct at Union County College. When I was studying at Nyack College I studied tuba with Herb Weksellblat of the Metropolitan Opera. I earned the Masters in Performance on tuba at Montclair University and studied with Don Butterfield of The American Symphony Orchestra.

I use a variety of published methods depending on the age of the student and their current level. 

I prefer Rubank's method books as they are a little more challenging. They include simplified melodies and examples from classical literature. I may not begin with Rubank for the very young but my goal is to lead them up to that publisher within the first year. I always bring one of my instruments so I can play along and teach by example. it is import the young student learns good posture and breathing technique early on as it will contribute to a more successful beginning. If they sense they are succeding they will not become discouraged and give up too easily. I try to build on their early enthusiasm.