Saxophone Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

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 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

It is my hope that I can give just a fraction of what those wonderful men and women gave to me, back to my students. My first experience teaching was in Marching band camp as a junior and senior in high school. As I became an veteran upperclassman, it became my job to teach the younger Freshmen and Sophomores how to march and play in the marching band. I absolutely loved passing on this knowledge and discovered I had a knack for speaking in public and an ability to clearly explain complicated ideas to my to those listening. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I want my students to be inspired and enjoy practicing music. Nothing for me beats the thrill of performing live and knowing that you did everything to prepare for a show, and that's what motivates me to get better. I hope for my students to discover what motivates them and use that to practice. I encourage practicing consistently, but I also understand when students are not able to reach an assignment; 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 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

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