Saxophone Lessons in La Tuna Canyon, CA

Instruments: Saxophone

I like my students to tell me what they would like to get from taking lessons. I then integrate what they want to learn with what I think they should learn. While learning a song or piece of music, I teach the student pertinent music concepts and saxophone technique. I find giving students scales and exercises to learn without context is often discouraging for them because they are not sure why and how they apply in other music situations. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

My teaching style is very much praxial and based off of skill reinforcement. For any instrument, I will incorporate the Kodaly method (solfege) of musicianship into the curriculum. For me, my goal is to teach the student how to learn for themselves. I focus on practice techniques, assessment of tone, sound, rhythms, pitches, etc. Rather than spoon feed all of the answers to the students, I wish to encourage each musician to develop their own critical mind towards the art that they create. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Eric Letta is saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, recording artist, and teacher. His roots are deeply grounded in the traditions of jazz, but his exciting and creative style incorporates all genres, such as r&b, funk, and modern bop. A native of Akron, Ohio, he was a member of the Ohio All-State Jazz Ensemble before earning a degree from Kent State University. He spent the first ten years of his musical career playing in jazz and show bands around the Midwest. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I liked Paul's smooth sound and became interested in jazz.From that point onward, I wanted to hear more about this thing called "jazz." The first jazz album I ever owned was "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. I started to listen to the likes of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Sonny Rollins.Listening to these greats, I started to realize what I wanted to be in my life. What I liked about their music was not only their obvious talent, but their ability to excite and calm their listeners in a span of one song. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Music

I started playing saxophone when I was 7 years old. Now I have more than 20 years of performance experience. I have both a bachelors degree from Xian Conservatory of Music in classical music and a masters degree from California Institute of Arts in jazz. I can play all kinds of music and make a good balance between classical music and jazz music. In China, I have participated in many orchestras and held the position of chief saxophone player. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

With beginners, I focus on developing sound fundamentals. It's important to avoid any bad habits and beginning students are lucky in that they have the opportunity to establish proper technique from the very start. As students progress, I use books such as the Universal Method and Rubanks Duets to learn to read notes and understand rhythms. Duets are an amazing tool as they hold students responsible for their individual part, while still functioning as a supportive and interactive activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching approch is to offer a fully personalized course for each individual students, encouraging them to explore the instrument while understanding solid technical basis. My course is usually divided in 3 phases: 1 - Understanding the instrument (breathing, embochure, basic fingering) 2- Practice routine, scales and arpeggios, developing good instrumental tecnique using classical books. 3- Jazz and instrumental Improvisation. Read More