Brian has been a fantastic drum teacher for my son. He provides just the right blend of support, encouragement, play, and challenge my son needs. His dedication to music and childhood education has been apparent in every lesson. I'm so grateful for the positive influence Brian has had on my son's musical skills and on his skills as a student in general.
I'm a beginning, grey-haired, adult saxophone student who has been studying the past several months with Michael Conklin at the Sage Music School. I am surprised and thrilled with the progress I'm making learning to play my alto sax. I worried that it would take me forever to decode the dots and squiggles on a piece of sheet music. Well, thanks to Michael's guidance, teaching, and encouragement I'm not only reading music, but I'm also playing the correct notes on the saxophone! Currently we meet over Google Meet which has been so convenient the past many months. In each lesson I work with Michael on building my skills, understanding a bit about music theory as is applies to my lessons, and working on tunes or riffs that let me practice those new skills and learning. I don't feel at all pressured in my lessons. I see Michael as my saxophone learning consultant! Here's a good example of how Michael's teaching methodology works well for me: I sent him an audio clip of a George Coleman riff. I asked Michael if this was something that at my beginning level I could learn. During my lesson, Michael flawlessly played the riff. He then said, "Yes, Mark, you can play it. The riff is in the key of A, it starts with an E, but all of the notes in the riff are not in the key of A. So have at it and we'll review at your next lesson." And sure enough, over the next few days, I figured out the riff. It was such as feeling of accomplishment. And Michael set it up so that I could succeed! In all, I'm very happy with the Sage Music School, my teacher, and the school's administrative team.
Amazing experience taking piano lessons with Sage Music School. Jacob Silver (my teacher) has introduced to me many gems of knowledge to improve my playing. I stopped taking lessons about 20 years ago but still played piano, and I'm so glad that I decided to start actual lessons again with Sage Music. I highly recommend to piano players at all levels of experience! Sage is the needed tool to help me meet my current piano playing goals. :)
I started with Sage in December close to the end of the year and my experience has simple been amazing. As a foreign student who barely touched a violin before December and without a music background, my experience simple been mesmerizing. We are now in April and I know the basics of the violin, I can read basic music sheets, I do not need tapes for my fingers. I pick up the violin and I play and I feel as if I have been doing it for years. My teacher Jeremy is the best. He is so youthful and energetic and very encouraging. He applauds my efforts and he never makes me feel down even when I am hard on myself. He is very professional and very frank in my view but he says the right things to get you back right where you should be. I owe my progress wholly to him. My whole experience from beginning with getting me set up was so effortless. Every week I am so focused on getting ready for class. It is never a drag it is always effortless. I really appreciate the progress I made thus far and I look forward to a greater future with Sage and Jeremy as my teacher/ guide. His Jeremy tips as I call it are very useful and always on point. Thank you Sage and Thank you Jeremy and the team for making one of my dreams come through in a very short space of time. Did I mention this was all done online! Hats off to Sage Music School
While my relationship with Sage is not long lived so far, I have found all the staff to be supportive and talented in their own right. My teacher, Michael Conklin, has been great. I had specific goals in mind and he is a skilled enough teacher to not only understand my intentions in seeking instruction, but to be able to provide patient, pertinent explanations and hands on illustrations in both theoretical and in the mechanics of paying the sax. I am advancing and I thank Michael for helping me to do so.
Sage Music is a very special place, and they have my highest recommendation to anyone thinking of beginning or advancing their music studies. I started taking piano lessons last year as a total adult beginner with no reference point or prior knowledge, and I'm amazed at how far I've come and how much joy the lessons have added to my life. My brilliant and patient instructor, Jacob, has always been interested in how I learn best as an individual, and the Sage approach overall combines proven learning techniques with a warm and highly personalized teaching approach. The entire team is wonderful to work with, professional, and responsive. I'm so glad I began lessons and look forward to continuing with Sage as I develop these skills.
I’m really happy that I found Sage Music and my AMAZING music instructor Michael Conklin! I recently decided to take the leap to learn the saxophone after playing the flute for about 20 years, and I was super nervous that my music skills wouldn’t cross over after taking a long break from music. But my music instructor, Michael, has made my return back to music, and on a new instrument so incredible. He has a great way of relating with his students, and helping them feel comfortable along the way, which has been really helpful for me as I’m learning the saxophone. We cover everything from breathing techniques to proper embouchure that will help provide a strong, solid sound on the saxophone. And he even connects things that I’m more familiar with as a flute player back to the saxophone which helps me grasp the saxophone material. And perhaps one of the things I deeply value about my lessons with Michael is the fact that he really listens to his students. He really tries to understand your interest in music, and the type of music that inspires you so that he can develop a lesson plan to help you reach that personal goal. So if you’re interested in music lessons, definitely check out Michael....he really is an awesome instructor!
The best way to describe this school in my opinion would be “exactly how you would design school as a kid if you could”. In other words I heavily admire that they allow me to bring them my goals and they lead me there directly. Not through a maze of confusion and customs but for me I’m being taken straight to what I imagined when I pictured myself as a cellist. The instucrtor is very intuitive and she also has a very good eye for what can be improved on. I’m sure it sounds like a common trait of a music teacher but her level of skill as a cellist paired with the solid structure of the school leads me to learn excessively quick. And I heard elsewhere that it’s suppsoed to be hard as an adult beginner. I’m not sure if that’s true or not but I actually look forward to my weekly lessons and I’m sure I always will.Oh and I forgot to mention all of this has been happening through video chat due to covid. The fact that I’ve seen as much progress as I have from my apartment is amazing. Not to mention they gave me two other free classes that help me take it what I’m taught. I couldn’t really say enough.
I’ve been a guitar student of Matt’s at Sage Music for about a year, and I’m excited about my progress. The teaching methods are fantastic, the lessons are very customized to my goals, and it’s been great to understand the theory behind the music I enjoy and exactly what makes it interesting. I came into the lessons simply wanting to rekindle and old hobby, but I’m very thrilled with my newfound ability to play with stronger technique, more intention, and to be able to improvise along with other musicians in the group classes.The lessons and teaching methods at Sage are very structured and meant to create progress, and to help students get more substance and more enjoyment out of individual practice sessions outside of the lesson. It’s a really unique way of teaching. I’d highly recommend taking a class!
I want to take a minute and give my personal experience at Sage Music.As student its important to get the best training possible to be able to get all tools needed in order to achive each goal. I'm in singing class and I want to thank Elisabeth Shoup for being such a GREAT teacher. Her level of professionalism goes above and beyond. As many of you know the world's going to a crisis right now with this Pandemic that forced all schools and many other businesses to close but Sage Music continued with its online class and I enjoyed it a lot I didn't have any difficulties and it went as great as if it was in person. Thank youu
My daughter started playing the flute in her elementary school band and asked for private lessons. She started taking flute lessons with Michael about a year ago and has loved every lesson. Michael has nurtured her curiosity about music and has invited her to choose music that she loves - Broadway showtunes! She is even now sharing her skills with her band teacher at school that she learned with Michael. Sage Music is super professional, organized and we couldn't be happier with our daughter's progress. I highly recommend!
Started taking piano lessons in 2019. SAGE is very professional organization and extremely responsive. They meet with you before you start the lessons to determine what your music goals are and to help develop a plan for success. I have been very happy working with my teacher Jacob Silver. Jacob has supported my goals by providing valuable insight, guidance and tools. After every session he provides music lesson notes and agreed upon practice routines. When I have a question I can send him an email and I always get a quick response. My playing skills are consistently improving. I highly recommend Sage Music.
I have taken piano lessons for approximately 3 months with Jacob. During this time, Jacob has taught me with great patience and kindness. He is very understanding of your needs, and I can assure you that he is extremely knowledgeable in piano music. Jacob makes you feel comfortable during your lessons and know that neither him or any other staff members will pass judgment on your abilities. I can only say positive things about the staff. Everyone has been super kind and they will always give you a warm welcome. I highly recommend this school for anyone who has the desire to learn to play an instrument. Thank you for all of your support!
I have really enjoyed my experience at Sage Music and look forward to continuing learning the clarinet there! Veronica in the office has been great, accessible, and makes it very easy to schedule lessons and create a plan that works for you. Michael has been a really awesome teacher! He is very talented and really takes the time to figure out the best methods to keep you on track and getting to the next level each lesson! All in all, I would highly recommend this studio for a great experience!
After studying violin for two years with another teacher who gave birth to twins and could no longer give private lessons, I had my first Violin lesson via Skype with Jeremy Roberts today and it went very well. I felt very comfortable with him and his style of teaching left me feeling encouraged and with the sense that I have come to the right place for real growth in my violin playing. I’m excited and looking forward to my next lesson. Now it’s time to enjoy and get to work on my homework. Perfect practice makes perfect with Sage. Lol
I 'taught' myself guitar in high school over 16 years ago and even though I was able to work up the skills to play some pleasant sounds, I always felt this barrier and level of doubt kept me from truly enjoying the act of playing and expressing myself. Basic music theory made sense on a superficial level, but true understanding and the ability to apply it in my playing often felt out very of reach.I am now closing in on my first full year of weekly lessons with Matt Kaplan and while it is remains clear I have a lot left to learn, it is significantly less daunting and discouraging. Things have finally started falling into place and the "language of music" comes more naturally the more I practice and "eat my (arpeggio) veggies."With increasing frequency I find myself picking up my guitar, getting lost in my playing, and realizing 30, 45, 60+ minutes have passed by. I am actually starting to LOVE playing guitar instead of feeling defeated by what I can't do or don't know.
For learning classical guitar, this was one of the wisest choicest I have made. Matt Kaplan is a fantastic teacher at Sage Music and he is to be recommend to anyone of any age. I started at 44 and have gotten very good at playing in almost 3 years. You can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. The staff is very friendly and make you feel like you are part of the family.
Elisabeth is an amazing voice teacher! She has helped me improve my voice both in terms of volume and of how clear it comes out within 3 lessons, not even kidding!She is great at helping you visualize how your voice should come out and be positioned correctly.By all means, if there was a higher than 5 stars rating I could give to Elisabeth and to Sage, I would!
Sage music teachers are highly qualified, kind, and unbelievably helpful. Not only does Matt, my classical guitar teacher, offer extremely helpful feedback during lessons, he also listens to audio clips I make during the week and answers questions between lessons. His generosity and commitment to his students is unwavering. Not only is there the opportunity to participate in recitals, but also in open mic nights, where the ambiance is relaxed and less intimidating.Veronica, who manages the business side, is professional and friendly, and makes time before your lesson starts feel like free time with friends. Not to mention the occasional appearance of Jason’s dog, Bijou, who can’t help but make you feel at home!The combination of elite level instruction and warmth is really unique, and is an experience I can only recommend wholeheartedly.
We used the performance space at Sage Music for our private studio recital, and it was a great experience. Friendly staff who were easy to work with, a nice space, and reasonable rates.
I love Sage! My daughter Mia has attended other music schools but none as professional as Sage! The instructors are wonderful and inspire the students to learn and practice. Mia takes vocal and Ukelele classes and absolutely loves it! She has been a student at Sage for almost 3 years and will continue to take classes and participate in their wonderful recitals!
In the amount of time that I have been a voice student at Sage Music, I have noticed a significant amount of growth within the past 6 months. My teacher Olivia Smith is an incredible voice instructor & I can now say I have more confidence and ability to perform in front of a live audience. I recommend to anyone wanting to learn and master an instrument/voice. Sage Music is the place to be!
I am so happy I found SAGE music. I am taking private Saxophone lessons at their Greenpoint and LIC locations with Michael Conklin. I am band student in the high level program at IS318. I had switched from percussion to Saxophone this past Fall. With Michael's help I was able to make dramatic progress in just 5 months and I am doing excellent amongst my very experienced saxophone classmates. Michael is fun, patient and serious at the same time. Sage is a very professional Music School. I highly recommend it! (Mason)
I really appreciate the step by step approach at sage music. I also especially like the way the focus is on your personal goals. I’ve been at sage music for just about three months and already see much progress and feel more focused. Thank you Michael Conklin for teaching me, guiding me, and caring for my success.
Can hardly believe it's already been 1 year since I started taking guitar lessons in Sage Music, and I can say all the progress, support and benefits that the Sage Music and the awesome faculty has provided me with can be scarcely overstated. With a goal to become an approachable art teacher to my own group of students, break a stereotypical view that I have towards myself(not-born-for-music) due to all the trouble I've gone through with all the musical instruments I tried in the past and develop a life-long hobby/profession, I discovered Sage Music to help me with my great mission. As a fresh new beginner with zero guitar experience who was in need of a professional's guidance, every lesson and session I took since day 1, I've witnessed and experienced my instructor's(Matt Kaplan) professionalism, passion and willingness to do the best for his students in every way possible. No matter how stuck and discouraged you maybe, Sage Music will be there for you and will help you and they will succeed. When you are packed with overwhelming passion to learn and/or get musical therapy to soothe, spice up yourself and your life style and step up to a new level but not sure where to seek the right people, Sage Music is the one for you.-Fred Lee-
I’ve been taking clarinet lessons at Sage Music for almost three years. My playing has drastically improved over this time and as a result I’ve been successful in auditioning for NYC All City High School Concert Band and Summer Arts Institute run by NYC Department of Education. The woodwind teacher, Michael Conklin, has been a great partner in this process. The staff and teachers have always been very welcoming and supportive. Congratulations to Sage on their expansion into a much bigger space.
I studied drums at Sage Music with Brian Reynolds earlier this year. The very first day, Brian asked, "What are your goals?" — by the end of the first practice I was behind the kit, holding down a beat. It was amazing! He picked up a guitar, and we were jamming AC/DC "Back in Black" Just like that!Brian is an excellent teacher. He's a good listener, he didn't try to persuade me, he taught me exactly what I was hoping to learn which I really appreciate. He's an excellent communicator, patient, and superb musician. Lessons were fun, we shared music, and inspired one another.I would definitely recommend Brian if you're interested in learning to play the drums!
I am so impressed with Sage Music - this school has it down! I feel like I have a family there, taking such good care of me...they create an unusual container that I've never experienced in any type of school before. The support and encouragement is so genuine, they really, really care for their students and will go the extra mile to see them succeed and make progress. My guitar teacher, Matt, invited me to participate in the next open mic and kindly offered to accompany me for my song. Highly recommend!
I am in singing class and it is a great opportunity to express myself. I love doing studio classes and I really hope we do them with duets!!!
It's a really good play to start with a new instrument! The teacher there is very professional and supportive, and he always the taught me based on both my personal interest (music styles, focus of what I'd like to practice, skill, emotion expression, etc) as well as standard learning procedure (cannot learn too much within too short period). Also, I believe that the school have well documentation to manage every student's learning status, and my teacher always encouraged a lot in every class. One more thing, they have instrument for rent, which is good for someone who's not sure if they wanna spent a thousand dollars on a big instrument such as a cello.
Looking for a place to get lessons and get the added benefit of being part of a musical community? Then Sage is the best! I needed cello lessons and check out this local music school and have been blown away by the quality of my lessons, the pedagogy and the warm, friendly faculty! They have done everything to make this beginner feel like a musician and my playing has never been better! Highly recommended!
I am taking violin lessons here after putting the instrument down 30 years ago. Having worked with two instructors (Angela and Nick) I found both were equally responsive to my learning style, and have providedindividualized feedback / instruction which happens to generate great momentum for practice in between lessons. Very pragmatic manner of instruction, gives me a sense of mastery over technique which really propels my desire to study and practice. Bonus with new studio space: regular presence of a very friendly dog. Highly recommend.
We really can't say enough good things about Sage. Not only are they affordable, but they go the extra mile to accommodate our ever-changing and hectic schedule.I also want to give a special shout to Julian, our instructor. He is so patient and so kind with our 4-year-old. No matter how fidgety he gets, Julian is able to steer him back on track. And he has really tailored the lessons to our son's interests. He's an outstanding music teacher!We tried a few other piano schools before this one but felt immediately comfortable at Sage. Even if you're not in LIC, it's worth the train ride!
Great local concerts, a overall great experience.
Such an incredible experience. Would highly recommend Sage Music to anyone - whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time, or just looking to improve your practice in a specific area, Sage Music really meets you where you're at. Matt is an INCREDIBLE guitar teacher and only have amazing things to say!
The teacher i was assigned was amazing at teaching me the, what I believe are the best ways to play the instrument I chose to learn. Which is the guitar, teaching me technique and a bit of reading music to further expand this new hobby that I fell in love with and made it grew immensely. Honestly I would recommend to any aspiring musician to give these lessons a try. Worth every single penny.
My son has attended sage for three years and has been able to overcome his cognitive deficits and learn the piano with the supportive staff of sage music. Thank you to the hard work of the director, manager, and staff They have helped create a new piano player the Autism community.
I have had a fantastic experience with Sage Music. The organization is efficient, professional, personable and convenient, with many thanks to Veronica. The recitals give the studio a great community vibe. My piano teacher Nicole is fantastic and has me feeling like a super piano virtuoso even as a beginner. Her lessons mix theory and practical skills and are always challenging, entertaining and keep me on track. The only music lessons I've ever stuck with. Five stars!
Amazing teachers! they are patient and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!👍
Jason helped me work on aspects of my technique that needed attention from years of playing badly. Such a thorough approach. I was very grateful to have such a knowledgeable teacher. Anyone who works with Jason should consider themselves very lucky.
Aleks is a great teacher and Jason has been very hospitable, it's been a great 2 years at Sage Music.
Sage Music School is the best choice I made for my daughters. I have three daughters playing three different instruments. They did an outstanding job in scheduling their music classes all at the same time. They also are very flexible with our classes. My girls enjoy practicing and always look forward to meeting with their wonderful teachers. The teachers are fantastic, patient and professional!
I am studying the violin and my wife is studying the clarinet. Our individual instructions are professional and enjoyable. I am amazed at how fast we have both come along. This is a school I highly recommend.
Have taken guitar lessons for over a year here with Jason - fantastic teacher, highly recommended.
Me and my daughter loved the consultation with Jason and Jasmine was very helpful with all my questions I hope to see you soon
I just started violin about 11 months ago. My instructor, Evan, learned about my objectives and he learned which genres interested me. He went out of his way to prepare for lessons, including hand writing supplemental exercises as well as incorporating basic music and jazz theory into the lesson. He also shared information about performances in the community. He has been very knowledgeable, flexible, and gentle during this first chapter of my new hobby, and I have appreciated his time.
I've been taking guitar lessons with Taro for over a year, and I can't recommend them (and him!) enough. I'm continuing to steadily improve, and I'm enjoying both playing and practicing more than ever.
I love Sage Music. They worked with out schedule and financial needs. Were respectful and consistent in providing us information if the school had to be closed. Or an appointment needed to be rescheduled. And they were always available to speak with.
I take guitar at Sage Music with Jason Sagebiel and I couldn't be happier with the quality of the lessons. The teachers here, Jason especially, are knowledgeable, experienced, and patient. Most importantly they are able to tailor the lessons to a student's specific goals and needs, which is not necessarily the norm in music education. I highly recommend Sage Music to students of all ages, levels, and goals.
I have taken guitar lessons with Jason and I can only highly recommend him and his school to anyone like me who wanted to get re-acquainted with music and playing the guitar. I was very apprehensive at the idea of taking classes and Jason's approach and philosophy about music and teaching it was a complete unexpected discovery for me. He is patient and keeps you focused on what needs attention. He is detail oriented and teaches you to see the little details that make all the difference in how you are progressing with a particular exercise. I have learned so much about technical skills which I had never been aware of before when I took music lessons and am very grateful to Jason for taking the time to patiently pointing me in the right direction. Jason is a terrific tutor for private lessons especially when it comes to technical skills -- which is also reinforced in group practice. All around, Jason is an amazing music teacher.
I really loved my lessons at Sage Music! I had purchased a deal through Amazon Local and I wish I had done it earlier! I was studying Guitar with Jason and he really took the time to understand what I wanted to get out of the lessons and helped me learn proper technique to achieve my goals. I would highly recommend their studio in LIC!
Though an experienced guitarist in many styles of music, like many others I've long felt I lacked the basic technique and focusing skills necessary to be fully in control of my playing and musical satisfaction in general. Jason's refreshing back-to basics, direct and supportive approach to technique has given my playing a new lease on life. It's been well worth the trek from Park Slope to LIC and back each Saturday!
Having recently visited Sage Music, I was "inspired" to sit down at the piano for the first time in a very long time. With the advice to practice in "small bits", practice has proven to be a pleasure. I'm actually disappointed when my timer goes off. Disappointed that practice is over, now that's a wonderful surprise!
I started learning piano as an adult with Aleksandra Kocheva, doing once a week class during work lunch break. Sage Music is a no-fuss music school, which makes it very easy to fit in one hour in and out class in between work. Alex tailors the class according to my need and ability -- not using the more traditional curriculum. With very little time for practice outside class, I still find improvement every week, because class material and homework is tailored to the most important aspect to work on. Alex quickly notices where my weaknesses or problem areas are, and have innovative and intuitive way of correcting them. My favourite part is that we always analyses the music and how I'm playing, to break it down such that it's bite-size and approachable. I highly recommend adults who want to learn or improve to Alex!
Highly recommend Sage Music. My first time to the studio, Jason (Sage) explained to me the philosophy behind how they teach students to play an instrument, which includes practices that can be expanded to assist with virtually any task/goal in life. I knew immediately that this was going to be a journey about more than just the music. Jason was so open, honest and easy to talk to that my insecurities and anxiety over starting a process thought to be for children, while myself being 36, slipped away unnoticed.My lessons have been with Aleksandra, and just two lessons in I found myself leaps-and-bounds ahead of where I had expected I'd be. I had been concerned about the pace of the lessons being too fast, but that hasn't been the case. Aleksandra has been working perfectly within the confines of my abilities, and I find her patience with the process to be... special.The studio space is large and clean, and nestled in an easy to reach Long Island City building, which houses a collection of businesses catering to artistic pursuits. There's even a convenient coffee shop/bakery in the lobby.I was skeptical that music lessons were something I could actually pull off at this stage of my life (including concerns over a busy lifestyle), but I couldn't be happier with their flexibility and service. It's become a priority on par with exercising. Most importantly however, I feel I'm getting educated in music (more specifically the piano) by skilled TEACHERS, not only skilled musicians. And that is the distinction that makes this place special. I feel confident saying you'll have no regrets trying out Sage Music.
