Teaching

Alongside his performance career Max has maintained a private studio of saxophone, improvisation, composition, flute, and clarinet students for over a decade. He has also given clinics to students in high schools and universities across the country. Max enjoys helping his students learn about the music that they want to play while forming a healthy relationship with the instrument. He welcomes students of all ages and abilities. Check out the testimonials and send him a message to learn more!

Lessons available online or in person at:

Tape Deck Studios
495 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

“I took lessons with Max in the summer of 2014 and 2015 and learning from Max has been one of the main reasons I decided to dedicate my life to working on music… Max gave me essential information in a very open and informative way and was very down to earth and friendly in the way he taught... Studying with Max has made me a deeper, more creative, and more down to earth person and musician.”

–Joey Pearlman (professional jazz bassist and graduate of the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music)

“Max helped me efficiently and calmly explore, improve, edit, and prioritize, in order to finish a lot of new compositions before a deadline. I left with new musical ideas as well as a deeper understanding of how to write clear and legible parts. I highly recommend Max for anyone looking for both artistic and practical guidance or insight into any aspect of their compositional process.”

–Minnie Jordan (professional violinist, composer and educator and graduate of Berklee College of Music)

“Max and his group offered up a hands-on approach to working with students, balanced with masterful artistry and an inspired performance. We look forward to having him back in our classroom."

—Tung Pham (Band director, East High School Denver)

“He cares about his students and their musical growth. He makes even the most tedious drills fun, especially when he plays the material along with you. He's a fantastic musician as well.”

–Hill Meade (Senior Project Manager Cleveland Clinic)

“Our son Ellis was accepted into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Middle School band with only 7 months of experience and we owe much of that success to Max!  We were so excited when we saw Ellis discover a new love for playing jazz music at his middle schools jazz band… Max is patient, kind, incredibly knowledgeable & talented. We can’t say enough wonderful things about what an amazing teacher Max is & how fortunate we are to have crossed paths with him.”

–Corrine and Ryan Libe

“We were blessed to have Max be a part of our son’s life for 5 years… Our son built confidence in jazz improv with Max’s guidance and seeing him shine at district jazz as alto 1 will be a highlight in our life. Max’s teaching has helped our son develop a passion for music and created a foundation for playing the rest of his life. Thank you Max for not only sharing your musical instruction, but creating a deeper relationship with our son and giving him not only confidence in music but life as well.”

—Ryan and Nora Vickerman

“Kyle had his talent show this morning and he did awesome! ...It was a huge hit with the kids… Thank you so much for all of your help getting him ready. He was so happy and so proud!”

–Megan Verardo

“You are a large part of why Conall loves playing the sax so much. He has never been this confident in himself. Thanks for being amazing at your job and dedicated to my kid!”

–Jill Culinan