Saxophone Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginners the first sound is the most important basic thing for a horn player (woodwind or brass). For children I use easy melodies they remember. This is helpful so they won'tget bored or tired easily. There are important transitional mechanisms in the clarinet especially that have to be overcome before starting with the scales studies. The books I use depend on the interest of the students. I have books for JAZZ, BRAZILIAN MUSIC, or CLASSICAL MUSIC (from Concert Solos to Opera overtures). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am new to teaching, though I have had success dabbling in teaching in the past. When I was in high school I coached middle school saxophone students and successfully prepared them for their biannual jazz concert. My experience, however, is as an all-around musician. I have been studying music for 18 years and I have been trained in classical, jazz and many other genres. I have recorded on three studio albums and performed countless shows. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

First and foremost, I believe in HONESTY and RESPONSIBILITY to my students. I remember when I took private lessons many years ago with various teachers and thought that I was pretty good at playing saxophone. It was not until I studied under Dr. Keith Bohm that I realized how horrible those previous teachers were. They were negligent and was not able to provide the essential fundamentals for me as a young musician and thus, I developed many, many, MANY bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've blended my methods with a response to each student I work with by requesting their trust, listening to their places of comfort and interest in playing music, and discovering new avenues of development with the student. I encourage them to draw from those areas in our sessions as we develop our repertoire and enhance individual growth from there. For beginners I tend to start with either Standard of Excellence books or Rubank and build custom practices from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. 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

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