Saxophone Lessons in South Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Music Keyboard

I grew up with classical music playing violin since the age of 4 and then changed instrument to saxophone at the age of 12. I studied jazz and saxophone at The Rhytmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen and The New School of Music in New York. I also play trumpet, guitar, bass, piano, drums, and more. I also write for symphony orchestra and produce electronic music. With my band O Future I have been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, ID, V, Q, NPR, Interview Mag, Pitchfork and hundreds of others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger beginning students, I typically use a method book, such as Accent on Achievement or something similar. For older beginners, I typically use the Rubank beginner's book. With this book, the student learns the fundamentals for their instrument. Once the student demonstrates an understanding of this, we will move on to sheet music. For more advanced students, we will typically use an etude book like Klose to explore the technical aspects of musical performance (such as technique development, phrasing, dynamics, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I usually begin by playing with them so they feel comfortable first. This is the most important aspect of the lesson since one-on-one time can be intimidating unless each person is familiar with one another and each other's playing style. I often try and get a feel for what type of music they're into. This helps guide the lesson material in a way that moves smoothly and helps them excel while having fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

First, I will ask my student what they want to do today. We are all subject to feeling differently about certain subjects every day and for example, might feel more inclined to learn scales one day and then maybe learn about the history of Jazz music another day, so it's my job to cater to those desires and let the student dictate the path our lessons take. I'm solely here for the student and not any self interest. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For any type of student, beginner or not, I focus on building the skills of the individual to create successes on their own. My goal is to provide the student with skills and abilities that not only will provide them with a fruitful musical life, but also allow them to transfer the ethics and habits to any other career. I also go in depth to reasoning and pedagogical reasoning for my explanations so that the student can engage in critical thinking and draw conclusions on their own. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

By letting students practice how to improvise, students will learn not only the instrument itself, but also start to build a concept of ear-training, as well as music theory. To me, the music comes first than the music theory, which is why music theory always serves people's ear. I would have students learn how to play and hear chords, create a musical vocabulary and enjoy themselves. After letting them hear music, I will explain why they are hearing what they are hearing instead of letting them read it from a chart and not explaining why. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I love to transmit to my students the passion that led me into music, without that it would have been impossible to pursuing my career in the first place. I encourage them to listen and explore different style of music and experiment with improvvisation, having fun and learning at the same time. Read More