Darin J
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Synthesizer, Recorder
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Darin J
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Synthesizer, Recorder
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-80
BA in Saxophone Performance with a Minor in Horticulture from Louisiana State University
Loyola University Scholarship recipient First chair Tenor sax for 3 years in the LSU Jazz Ensemble Shared the stage with Grammy-winning Snarky Puppy, BB King, and Rebirth Brass Band Toured across the US and performed in front of thousands Grew up steeped in the blues from the Louisiana Delta. Began performing live on stage at 15 years old.
I was born in the birthplace of blues and jazz, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In conjunction with my college music degree, I had the opportunity to preform on stage with some of the greatest names in blues music including Big Luther Kent, Sundanze, Tabby Thomas, Jo Monk, Boogie Long, and on, and on. I went on to dig deeply into the classic and modern Jazz, funk, and soul with my band Captain Green. We toured for four years and played venues of all sizes across the US to promote two studio albums. Now I’m happy to bring my formal and informal training to Colorado and share some of the musical things I’ve learned from the magical music makers of south Louisiana.
Standing on stage with great musicians is the most effective way to learn music. That’s because music is an aural tradition, meaning music is taught by ear, often thru singing. Just like language. How did you learn to speak English? Not by reading books, but by jamming with words and speaking with masters of the language. Jamming (with notes or words) is the act of exchanging ideas with another person, a conversation. That’s a big part of what musicians do, and I want to help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to express yourself and your ideas, especially with other people.
My approach is based largely on the intentions of the student. Beginner students will need a foundation to build on, that foundation will include singing, reading music, clapping rhythms, learning melodies, and free exploration for a fearless musical future. Older experienced students will be exposed to a More in depth view of the fundamental components of music, a particular group twelve crucial aspects that must work effortlessly in concert to create an impressionable musical experience. The student will hone in on each of these elements (rhythm, timbre, phrasing, etc) separate from the saxophone, then learn to exercise those elements on the saxophone, applying all materials to the desires of the student.
The emphasis for these lessons is on pouring your soul into some practical excercises that are applicable to the stage, whether it’s a jazz ensemble, concert band, funk band, wedding group, solo project. What the student puts in, they will receive in return. The exercises will focus largely on tone production (your personality or voice on the horn) and transcription of ideas (to develop real musical vocabulary). With these tools, the sax becomes a vehicle for self expression and an outlet for the audience, things so vital in these current times of turmoil and self doubt.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.