Saxophone Lessons in El Cerrito, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students I like to start in the Standard of Excellence Series as well as the Rubank Method Books. I also try to allow my students a chance to play something they want at the end of lessons. As my students advance we add in classical pieces as well as jazz, and improvisation. Older students and adults we can fgure out what you want from the lessons. I try to work it so it is enjoyable for you yet not as elementary. The goal is to become advanced enough to create your own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I was educated from age 7 in Clarinet, reaching the highest award offered by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music at age 12. I was graded A* for my school music exam (GCSE) a year early, and also gained and A Grade in my college (A Level). Seeking to go to music college I then took ABRSM Grade 6 piano. I played in the Birmingham Schools Wind Orchestra (Principal Clarinet) and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (1st Alto Saxophone). 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: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

Making sure that the student is having fun, learning and achieving their musical goals is most important. I understand that each student progresses at their own pace and has diffrent goals and desires. While there are certian excersises that everyone needs to work on, solos and concert pieces are what students are drawn to. Therefore, I make sure that students are working on fun and challenging pieces that will keep them engaged in music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginners the first sound is the most important basic thing for a horn player (woodwind or brass). For children I use easy melodies they remember. This is helpful so they won'tget bored or tired easily. There are important transitional mechanisms in the clarinet especially that have to be overcome before starting with the scales studies. The books I use depend on the interest of the students. I have books for JAZZ, BRAZILIAN MUSIC, or CLASSICAL MUSIC (from Concert Solos to Opera overtures). Read More