About
I am an active professional musician, recording and teaching artist, composer/arranger, improvisor and song writer. I believe in providing a learning environment that promotes community, curiosity, spontaneity, trust, dedication, presence of mind, creativity, individuality and critical thinking.
For on-line lessons, I work hard to use collaborative, integrative, student-based (and fun!) approach to help you learn how to develop your instrument playing to the best of best ability. I specialize in woodwinds, voice (beginning to advanced) as well as piano and ukulele (beginning) and songwriting and composition.
I have over 30 years of experience of performing and teaching professionally to private one-on-one lessons, as well as group instruction for all ages and levels in flute, saxophone, voice and clarinet techniques in jazz and classical, pop, klezmer and balkan, funk, blues and experimental music, as well as music theory, improvisation and composition.
For Instrument lessons we will:
* Work together to define your musical goals, needs and interests
Improve breath support, tone production and projection
Sight reading, ear training
* Augment the technical and song/tune work with basic to advanced music theory
* Work on performance technique, audition preparation
* Explore improvisation over song changes, building on a foundation of scales and chordal understanding
For songwriters/composers/bandleaders:
Work with you on arranging your music and developing your personal style
* Help you get organize your musical ideas either on paper or using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation such as Garage Band, Logic, Audacity, Sibelius or other apps)
* Give you tips and pointers of booking, press kits, management and studio recording.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
My life has always been about music ever since I was little, and I feel blessed that I have been able to do music professionally, and share my musical experience and knowledge with others. I encourage students have FUN while working on music! Playing music at whatever level you are at should be a good experience so you want to keep on playing! I strive to combine exercises in technique with a repertoire that motivates you and helps you find your "voice" on what ever instrument you are working with.
I am grateful that a career in music has taken me around the world and connected me with so many wonderful and different communities! I perform in the US and internationally a freelance performer, collaborator and studio musician. I am also a member of several professional projects, including leading my own band, the Jessica Lurie Ensemble, a co-leader of The Tiptons Sax Quartet, an internationally touring saxophone quartet and drums, and a founding member of the Lving Daylights jazz/funk/improvisational trio and the Jewish Sephardic music ensemble Sofie Salonika. I compose for theatre, film, dance and multi-media, and am on over 60 recordings as a leader and featured artist.
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Reviews
Elizabeth Hintz C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to ask a lot of questions when working with a new student to find out what they are interested in learning, what styles of music, and what is their musical experience. Also to find out: have they played an instrument before, what excites them about the instrument they are playing, do they play in a band at school or with friends, etc? I also let them know what my experience is and see if what I know as a teacher is of interest to them for sucessfully working together.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
If I go to the students house I charge $75 for an hour, $40 for 30 minutes. If students come to me in Brooklyn, I charge $65 / hour, $30 for 30 minutes. 30 minute trial lessons can also be arranged for a reduced lesson fee.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and all skill levels, with the exception of ukulele and piano students, where I have mainly worked with beginning to intermediate students. I have taught lessons one-on-one, group workshops for woodwinds players, composition and poetry workshops, songwriting, improvisation and conduction workshops, and 1 day to 10 week residencies. I have worked with ESL and ELLA students, as well as with students that have special learning and emotional challenges.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In January 2020, I finished making a new recording with my saxophone quartet, The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet & Drums. All of the band members brought in material and over 3 weeks, we were able to rehearse, perform, record , mix and master our new CD and it sounds wonderful! I loved how well we are able to work together as a group and support each other creatively! It is really exciting to make your own music come to life!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
As a prospective student, I would want to know what kind of experience the teacher has, do I like how they communicate about music, are they excited about teaching, and what kind of music and instruments the teach and play. would try a first lesson to see if we worked well together, and if I liked their teaching style.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Some questions to think about before starting lessons are : how often would they like to have lessons, do they have time to practice between lessons, what skills would they like to gain or improve, what kind of music do they want to learn to play and what excites them musically?