Daniel Bennett

“I am very focused on making sure my students have a proper embouchure. I also stress the importance of good posture, air support, and intonation.”

M.M., New England Conservatory
B.S., Roberts Wesleyan College

“I was always fascinated with the look and sound of the instrument,” says Daniel of why he started playing saxophone at age 10. “When I was 9, my sister took me to a high school jazz ensemble concert and I fell in love with the saxophone that day!” Daniel grew up in Rochester, NY and moved to NYC where Daniel performs frequently at various clubs and theaters.

Daniel’s background is both in classical and jazz saxophone techniques and he strives to ensure his students are firmly grounded in technique no matter what their stylistic preference. “I am very focused on making sure my students have a proper embouchure. I also stress the importance of good posture, air support, and intonation.” Once these techniques are mastered, Daniel introduces improvisation and also enjoys introducing his students to contemporary classical saxophone music as well as jazz solos. “All of my students study both jazz and classical music with me.”

Though saxophone is best suited to students who are age 8 and older, Daniel does enjoy working with younger students. “I teach them to clap rhythms, sing melodies, and follow musical lines.” Daniel also enjoys working with adults from “all walks of life!”

As a performer, Daniel works in a wide array of settings ranging from pit orchestra in musical theater productions to leading an active jazz quartet. He also continues to play with classical ensembles. “Every night is an experience! It’s important to stay flexible in the fast-paced music world.” He cites Steve Reich as an important influencing composer on his musical tastes. “I first heard ‘Piano Phase’ when I was a graduate student at New England Conservatory. It was a huge moment for me!”

One of Daniel’s hobbies he pursues in his free time is collecting toys from the 1970s and 80s. “Everything from GI Joe to Star Wars! I also have 100,000 baseball cards. And yes, I store most of these items in my Manhattan apartment.”