James S
5.0
(16)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Blues, Latin, Reggae, Latin Jazz, New Age, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
James S
5.0
(16)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Blues, Latin, Reggae, Latin Jazz, New Age, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
B.A. Degree in Music
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERISITY, LONG BEACH
ALTO SAOPHONE
Two time master teacher at the Saddleback Valley Unified School Dirstrict
Subject: Elementary School Band
I want to share my passion of music with my students. I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree on the Saxophone. I was a band director in California for over twenty five years. In between teaching jobs, I performed live on stage in various bands. It was here where I learned to improvise and play off of other musicians. While in college, I toured with the wind ensemble in Hawaii, Canada, Texas, Washington, and Oregon. I have released five CD's of original music on the Saxophone.
I started as a teacher aid in 1971 while attending California State University, Long Beach. I went on to teach band for over twenty five years in California at the elementary and middle school level. In between teaching jobs, I would perform on stage in various bands where I would learn to improvise. While teaching at the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, I was twice a Master Teacher. While at the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, I taught marching band and performed at local parades. I marched in the Rose Parade 3 times with my Alto Sax.
At the beginning level, I start on how to properly assemble the instrument together. I instruct the student on how to pick out a reed and put it on the mouthpiece. I teaching proper posture, breathing, and embouchure. I develop my lessons on the goals of the student. I am very patient with my students and try to make the lessons fun. On Alto Saxophone I start with "Play Alto Sax Today." I add "Jazz Method for Sax" for advanced students. I use "Saxophone method #1 and #2 for Tenor Sax.. I work for the student to achieve a good tone and play in tune. For piano I teach by a chord approach. This is not a classical piano lesson approach. I will teach you all the notes on the piano and how to read them on the music staff.. This is very helpful for a guitar player who wants to learn chords on the keyboard to play or write songs. I will teach you the scales in every key and the chords in ROOT POSITION, FIRST INVERSION, and SECOND INVERSION.
I cater each lesson to the needs and goals of the student. I will make sure that each student learns the basics like note reading, tone, scales , and music theory. I make sure that the student is motivated to practice and improve. I will make the lessons fun by adding songs that the students wants to learn. One thing that I have learned by performing is how important it is to play in tune. There are certain notes on the Saxophone that are either sharp or flat. I will teach the student to listen to the out of tune notes and correct the pitch.
Karen Repan
James gave our son Kevin saxophone lessons.He was very patient and a great instructor Kevin was able to play the first day!
Dan St. Marseille
In the 1970s, I had the good fortune of having Mr. South as my first teacher in 5th grade. He started me on clarinet and patiently , and with great care nurtured a love of music that has lasted a life time. Music has been my lifelong vocation and I am grateful for the wonderful lessons I received from this accomplished instructor.
Bill Miller
James is a patient and perceptive instructor, with educational depth to match his musical ability. Not only can he play beautifully, several instruments, he knows how to share his knowledge with students. James helped me better understand my alto and tenor saxophones and their particular characteristics. We focused on physically creating good tone quality, while developing an ear for actually playing in tune. Enjoy your musical experience!
Gregory J
A relative gave me a saxophone a while ago. I finally picked it up and tried to play a few notes. I had no idea what I was doing. I needed lessons and I reached out to James for help. By the end of the first lesson I was actually "playing"! That got me interested in learning more so I have taken several lessons from James. He is fun to work with and he knows his stuff.
Hiroko Tateishi
James is very passionate about teaching and sharing his music knowledges. He is very patient and takes his time to teach. An excellent instructor! If you are looking for a quality lessons, this is it!!!
Ray D
I've had music lessons from a number of other teachers and felt they were frustrated with my progress, especially at the start, which was discouraging. In stark contrast, James is so patient and supportive, and that makes a huge difference in the learning as well as the joy of learning an instrument. I highly recommend him!
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