Teaching

I have been teaching private woodwind and piano lessons since 2002. Education is a huge part of my career in jazz. I’ve taught ensemble classes and led workshops on subjects including improvisation, time feel, group interaction, ear training, sight-singing and more. Starting in Fall 2022 I’ll be teaching Full-time at Borough of Manhattan Community College and won’t be taking on any new private students outside of the school.

Topics/instruments covered include:

  • Saxophone
  • Clarinet
  • Flute
  • Doubling
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Technique
  • Sound
  • Rhythm/Feel
  • Playing what you hear
  • Transcribing
  • Arranging – big band, small group, chamber groups
  • Ear Training
  • Lessons on how to use my book, Bach Shapes.
  • and much more!

Some testimonials from students and parents:

Jon is an amazing Saxophone teacher for beginners!
Very grateful to have found Jon to teach me how to play the alto sax. A wonderful music teacher who has set me up for success with teaching me the right sax habits at the beginning!

-Andrew M.

“Jon is an amazing teacher–he teaches all FOUR of my kids (one piano, 2 recorder, one guitar) and manages to keep them focused and entertained and learning about music. They love it! This year my oldest (fourth grader) is going to try clarinet. She’s already asking for Jon to teach her as soon as we start school again. He is kind, patient and super-knowledgeable–everything you’d want in a great teacher!”
-Soledad O’Brien, Manhattan

“My son has been taking saxophone lessons with Jon for a number of years. Jon is a great musician and a wonderful teacher. He is very patient and supportive. I am sure that my son’s experience with Jon has contributed to his decision to continue with the saxophone in High School. We are really grateful to have found him.”
-Anna, Brooklyn

“Jon is certainly a “Five Star Instructor”. My two children are “Clarinet’ tutored weekly from our Manhattan home. Over the last year I have noticed a significant growth in Oliver and Dominics individual skill-set and motivation to enjoy their instrument.
Jon’s weekly visits continue to deliver high levels of instruction, specific goal setting and immense motivation to achieve more with greater confidence. These secret ingredients coupled with Jon’s relaxed style and amazing humor deliver professional instruction week after week.
Would we ever considering switching to another tutor…definitely NOT!”

-Jill, Manhattan

“Jon has great credentials as serious musician. He plays multiple instruments, regularly gigs and is genuinely passionate about a broad range of music. He can provide technical training but also allows for stylistic flexibility, depending on the mood of the music. Gone are the days when you get a crusty old school man making you spend 1 hour a day on scales! He lets me dictate the pace and taste in music, which is perfect for me. As a busy professional, he is relaxed about me having a flexible lesson schedule too. Great teacher.”
-Steph, Manhattan