Saxophone Lessons Contra Costa County, CA

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

Hello! My name is Wes, and I am a multi-woodwind instrumentalist based out of Long Beach, CA. I attended California State University, Long Beach for my master's degree, and The Ohio State University for my bachelor's. Though I am mostly seen playing a saxophone, I am classically trained on clarinet, flute and even oboe! I play a wide variety of styles of music, from jazz to pop, and perform and record with big bands, small jazz groups, pit orchestras, and much more! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Music

A student's success is a teacher's success! I am passionate about helping students achieve their goals by setting a positive and encouraging atmosphere in lessons. Building positive rapport is important to me and, like any teacher, I expect the best effort and growth mindset from students. I actively involve students in setting realistic goals for each lesson to boost their musical confidence. Students ask, "What if I make a mistake?" Mistakes are a natural and essential part of growth. 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: Saxophone, Clarinet

My style of teaching also varies greatly with each individual. Some students have specific music from school or from outside music groups that they want to learn and also need to learn the skills to be able to play that particular music. Other students come with a desire just to improve their current abilities, and we find ways to do that by choosing inspiring music together. Sometimes playing duets is a great way to do that, and when its not possible to play together in real time I make recordings that the student can enjoy playing with. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Piccolo, Music

I incorporate method books into all of my lessons, as well as any technique books that are appropriate for each specific student. The method books that I begin with are Essential Elements, the I Recommend series, Standard of Excellence, and Tradition of Excellence. The technique books depend on the specific instrument and ability level. I feel that it is very important to get every student playing actual sheet music as soon as possible, regardless of skill level. Read More