Saxophone Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

Throughout the years I have gained more and more students, but I have never stopped seeing myself as a student as well. I am constantly discovering new musical concepts and ways of teaching those concepts to my students. I still seek out the expertise of musicians I look up to and pass that expertise on to my students. I also find that my students themselves have a lot to teach me. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For me the most important thing is to keep the students motivated. If that is not the case they won't do their part when they go home to practice. Sometimes I explain the theory and practical use of some exercises that in the beginning look tedious or exhausting so that the students can have a bigger idea of how the structure of music is created. Clarinet and saxophone are melodic instruments. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm a passionate professional performer and teacher with extensive real world music industry experience. Performing with various artists from all differing genres, both live performance and on records, yields results with my students. I give my students all the necessary keys needed to succeed on their instrument. Having been a major player on projects with two Grammy nominated artists (John Lee Hooker, Jr and Phil Driscoll) and having performed live with Billy Joel and Paul Simon has given me a different perspective on what is needed to be successful. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching private lessons part-timewhen I was still in high school on Long Island. I have taught in elementary day care in the early 1990's and taught in public schools elementary general music and chorus, beginning instrumental music at the elementary level, as well as middle school orchestra in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. After a vocal chord injury, I left the public schools to create my indie record label, produce new projects and allow healing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Again, as a teacher my goal is to be honest and responsible to everyone's improvement in music. Nothing makes me happier than to see people I teach reach greater heights and even achieving skills that surpasses mine. As a person, I will support you through your obstacles at my best and try to answer all your questions with clearity and honesty. However, it is essential to note that regardless of how much I can teach you and point out your weaknesses, it is up to YOU to decide how far you will go. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More