Saxophone Lessons in West Covina, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I grew up in Indianapolis. While in high school, I studied Classical Clarinet with Achille Rossi of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. My interest at this early stage of my career was and still is in Classical Music. I went on to play with many of the All-City and All-State Orchestras.After high school, my interest in jazz began to blossom. I went on to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I was a Performance Major and earned my four year professional performance certificate, studying all aspects of jazz: composition, arranging, and performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Music Keyboard

It is important for me that the student is motivated and enjoys the lesson since they have to keep loving playing and practicing at home everyday to be able to progress properly. Learning music as learning anything is about exploration and repetition. Once you understand something you have to be able to do it correctly a few times before moving on. This can only be achieved if there is a certain amount of practicing involved. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students I access what your musical background is and what may be lacking from your knowledge and playing. I also ask what your particular goals and things you would like to learn are. From there then we will start to tailor the lesson as both us see fit. In general I like a student to be able to play three simple melodies before moving on to chords, rhythms, and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Rick continues to explore and develop his musical voice. Becoming a requested sideman while continuing to compose and pursue his own projects define the commitment to creative expression so vital to him. He has been constantly inspired by music from many countries as a result of concerts and recordings with Gahnian master drummer Kofi Misiso and tabla master Trilok Gurtu. The beauty of music from exotic lands remains an inspriation for Rick to write new music.17 years residency as a freelance saxophonist in central europe resulted in an impressive list of credits both live and recording. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Listening is the most important thing. If you don't know how your instrument sounds and how the great masters sounded when playing it, you will never develop a sound. So I highly encourage all my students to constantly listen to music and understand a little bit of the history and legacy behind their instrument. This way, they will understand where they are coming from, and where to go Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

The methods that I choose to use with my students depends on what they want to learn. Some students want to just play classical music, some pop, some jazz, some marching band, etc. Therefore I do not use the same teaching methods for all students. With that being said, I do make certain that all of my srudents understand the basic elements of music, i.e., time and key signatures, note values, melody, rhythm, harmony, pitch, intonation (if a wind instrument), form, theme and variation, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

I am a performer, composer, and educator who loves inspiring and cultivating a passion for music in my students. I received my Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Cal State Fullerton in 2017, and moved out to CT to pursue my Master's degree at the Hartt School and study with Carrie Koffman. I love performing in competitions, as a solo performer, and in chamber ensembles. I've also had opportunities to perform around the country and the world including California, China, and New York. Read More