Sage Music School — Local services in New York

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...

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...

Years ago, I played & studied music in high school and college, mostly classical and jazz. But I always wanted to sing and play both jazz and songs that I thought were cool or popular. I stopped playing music decades ago to raise a family and work full time in a demanding career. About a year ago, I decided to start playing piano again.

I got my feet wet learning a couple of classical tunes with a wonderful teacher who worked with me on the Sage method. I met Isaiah as a substitute when the first teacher went on leave. He jumped right in and started helping me with pop and jazz tunes that I wanted to learn. And he got me to sing while I’m playing as I’m learning the songs, (which I wanted but was tentitive about doing.)

The method helps me learn faster (I still work, so time is limited), and I retain the songs better than I remember doing in the past. It’s been great! Not only am I learning to do what I wanted in a new way, but I’m also having a great time doing it!

At first, I was concerned about learning online, but the platform is easy, and if I have a problem, Isaiah talks me through it. We can send YouTube links and sheet music to each other, if needed. I live in New York City and am taking lessons from Isaiah in San Antonio. We never would have had the chance to work together otherwise, and I’m really grateful for that opportunity.

Evie in the office has always been helpful and pleasant to work with if I needed something. I highly...