Saxophone Lessons in El Cerrito, CA

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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo

I am a classically trained musician, specializing in woodwinds.  I received my Bachelors of Music with an emphasis in Music Education and Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in 2014.  I have played with Symphonies, Big Bands, Jazz Bands, Ballets, and in many musical theater productions throughout California, and in Boston while attending Berklee.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've blended my methods with a response to each student I work with by requesting their trust, listening to their places of comfort and interest in playing music, and discovering new avenues of development with the student. I encourage them to draw from those areas in our sessions as we develop our repertoire and enhance individual growth from there. For beginners I tend to start with either Standard of Excellence books or Rubank and build custom practices from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

A few years down the road I started playing trumpet in the beginning band at my school under the tutelage of who, to this very day, I believe was the best youth band director to ever hold a baton. Since then I have had many teachers who have shaped my life many different ways. They spent the time to grow and cultivate my skills and talent, teach me musician's etiquette, and give me “the tools of the trade”. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I start lessons by warming up and doing exercises. For children, I do this in a listen and response setting. Then I will work through school songs or performance pieces, focusing on rhythms first, notes second and musicallity third. These 3 aspects lead to musicial mastery. I finish each lesson with an easy cool down. With in each lesson, I focus on musical styles that the students are interested in and work towards goals that the student set for themelves. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

First and foremost, I believe in HONESTY and RESPONSIBILITY to my students. I remember when I took private lessons many years ago with various teachers and thought that I was pretty good at playing saxophone. It was not until I studied under Dr. Keith Bohm that I realized how horrible those previous teachers were. They were negligent and was not able to provide the essential fundamentals for me as a young musician and thus, I developed many, many, MANY bad habits. Read More