292 Lincoln Place, 2E, Brooklyn NY, 11238
Instruments:Composition, Ear Training, Saxophone, Theory
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Rock – Alternative, Blues, Kids
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:25 years
Rate:$50 / hr
Personal Statement
The most important aspect of playing any musical instrument is producing a good sound. No matter what specific type of saxophone sound you prefer, from the breathiness of Lester Young and Stan Getz to the broadness of Sonny Rollins or clarion tone of John Coltrane, there are fundamental concepts of embouchure and breathing which lay the foundation for a healthy saxophone sound. In teaching, I introduce methods, which address these concepts by engaging the ears as well as the mind.
Using knowledge based on my own performing and teaching experiences, I approach each student as a unique artist who, when shown time tested methods and personal attention, will be capable of achievement in any musical style. From overtone and scale exercises to etudes, jazz harmony and solo transcriptions, the student will be exposed to a broad range of music and methodology through a progressively challenging curriculum.
I am currently teaching at Michiko rehearsal studios in Times Square and at my home in Brooklyn.
My students range from absolute beginners (no musical background) to advanced jazz improvisers and are anywhere from 9 to 70 years of age. I encourage all ages and backgrounds to inquire.
Beginners:
If you are new to the saxophone, I will guide you with advice for renting or purchasing an affordable, quality horn. In special cases I can lend a student one of my saxophones for a short time.
If you are new to music altogether, I will spend time developing your basic musicianship skills including reading music. Don’t worry. I am patient and enjoy teaching the fundamentals.
Parents:
I love kids. I am a music teacher who travels to schools in every borough of NYC teaching music literacy and piano as a teaching artist for Music and the Brain. (http://www.musicandthebrain.org)
A typical time for children to begin saxophone is around 5th or 6th grade, but I have taught younger. And of course there is no “right” time to begin. If your child is excited about learning music, then they are ready.
Adult beginners:
Whether you are considering studying with me, someone else or learning music in any capacity, please do not hesitate. Start your musical journey now and take the plunge. You will not regret it.
Advanced students:
My forte is jazz improvisation. You will learn the skills necessary to decipher the nomenclature of chord progressions and construct coherent solos using them. We’ll work our way from basic voice leading and contrapuntal concepts to learning and improvising over standard jazz and blues tunes.
I will accompany your playing on the piano to reinforce the harmonic context while giving you rhythmic support. It’ll be fun.
Education / Training
During his high school years, Richard wrote and arranged for his own jazz quintet, playing weekly gigs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He went on to study jazz performance at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis. He completed his B.M. at William Paterson University, studying with such notable jazz figures as Rufus Reid, Kenny Burrell, Vic Juris and Harold Mabern.
Richard has since gone on to form various jazz groups, from trios to septets, where he continues to develop as a jazz composer and improviser. Richard currently performs weekly in downtown Manhattan.