Saxophone Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Music

I incorporate method books into all of my lessons, as well as any technique books that are appropriate for each specific student. The method books that I begin with are Essential Elements, the I Recommend series, Standard of Excellence, and Tradition of Excellence. The technique books depend on the specific instrument and ability level. I feel that it is very important to get every student playing actual sheet music as soon as possible, regardless of skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I like to focus on the practical application and aural aspects of instrumental learning as well as the technical skills. I invest heavily in listening and understanding as opposed to the largely 'by rote' style I was subjected to growing up! Whilst I will follow a student/parents desired path regarding exams, I will provide a rounded musical learning and experience that will enable students to excel in all endeavours and be creative, as well as pass exams. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My experience in teaching is not only in the musical aspect. I was also a Spanish teacher for Centro Latino in Berkeley. Teaching music is like teaching another languages. In my specialties, clarinet and saxophone, the pause, breathing and acentuation have a very important part in phrasing the notes. The melody should flow "as we speak", in a normal way and with the right entonation. I have two children who are also musicians, an 11 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to 1985 when I got my Masters of Music in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music. As soon as I got back to California I started teaching privately. I have also been on the faculty of the Notre Dame college in Belmont, Santa Clara University and the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View. I also coach in the middle schools and high schools nearby. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

So I endeavor to strive first for great sound. 2. Counting: Furthermore, horn players play in horn sections about 90% of the time. Therefore, it is critical that the horn player count extremely accurate so that the section is tight. Also, on live shows or recording sessions, accuracy and execution is imperative for a good performance. So I lay a counting foundation and delve deeply into the subject. Sound and Counting, then everything else. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a lifelong musician with a strong passion for the saxophone. I began my life in music with the clarinet, later picking up alto and tenor saxophone as well as piano. I graduated from School of the Arts High School in 2009 and brought my tenor to UCLA, where I played in every band that I could. I've been trained in classical music, jazz, Latin jazz, funk, soul, and rock. I love performing, recording, composing, and now I'm excited to teach. Read More