Saxophone Lessons for Los Angeles, CA

The saxophone is an incredibly expressive instrument and is used in a wide range of styles of music including: jazz, pop music, blues, rock and roll, and classical music. No matter what style of music, whatever your goals are I can get you there! Regardless of style and genre, it's important to have certain aspects of the saxophone playing under control including: sound production, breath support, technique and musicality. I use a wide range of of exercises and techniques, method/etude books, duet playing, as well as listening and ear training to give my students a well rounded approach to the saxophone and music in general, helping them to become the best musician they can be.

My name is Jens, and I am a trained saxophone player and multi instrumentalist graduated from The Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark (where I am from), and from The New school of Music in New York. I have extensive knowledge of most musical styles including jazz, blues, classical, pop, electronic and others. I can teach you how to get a good and warm sound, how to achieve dexterity on the instrument in order to get the best experiences playing music. Saxophone is a fantastic instrument that is actually quite easy to learn juxtaposed to other instruments. I believe in listening and playing and I don't use a lot of sheet music. I mostly only work by ear since I was taught that way myself through the Zuzuki method, playing violin and saxophone as a child. I enjoy playing the instruments as much as possible during the lesson and having the student following my lead in terms of exercises and repertoire. Since I know how to move a student from one level of playing to the next. Watching students breakthroughs, suddenly being able to play something new and more difficult is always an immense joy.

If you are looking to book lessons in your home, I am available to travel farther on a case by case basis. Please messsage me using the Ask a Question button near my profile picture. I am experienced with all ages from 5 - adult and have been teaching lessons for many years. I began as a volunteer in High School and built a larger private base of students while in college. I have played lead guitarist/singer/songwriter roles in several rock bands, including my current rock band The Rift, as well as participated in award winning ensembles of all varieties (Jazz Bands, Wind Symphonies, Marching Band, Symphonic Band). Despite a background rich in performance, teaching is my foremost skill and profession. In addition to lessons, I've taught in the classroom setting and at summer camps. I was the first Popular Music and Jazz Major to graduate from the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music. Currently, I'm completing my Master's Degree at Hunter College in Manhattan in Music Education while maintaining a flexible schedule as to accommodate new students. *** Lesson Details *** I maintain a fun, understanding, patient, and straightforward approach to help you play what you want, while building essential techniques and skills using music of your choosing. In younger students this often perpetuates enthusiasm and develops taste. I also tutor music theory, composition, and/or songwriting, and upon request, will bring those skill sets into the lesson curriculum. I prefer to come to you, but am willing to host and have before. I will produce additional references and a resume upon request. If you commit to practicing and your lesson curriculum, you can expect noticeable improvement and a solid base of knowledge and essential skills, achieved through the music you love. *** Studio Equipment *** Upright piano; Fender Hot Rod 40W Tube Amp; Acoustic 15 W Solid State; Yamaha USB compatible keyboard; 5.1 surround sound with 40" monitor; Mac Mini; Multiple electric and acoustic guitars; USB Condenser Mic, Garageband and Logic Studio; Intel iMac; Buffet Tenor Saxophone, Yamaha Y-62 Alto Saxophone, Bundy II Alto Saxophone for rent *** Travel Equipment *** I have my own instrument, tuner, cables, etc. I generally expect my students to provide their own instrument, and be willing to purchase a few basic materials (book for lesson entries, one other instructional book). I'm a minimalist when it comes to this. I am always willing to consult on instruments, materials, or anything other query's you may have outside lessons, via phone or e-mail. *** Specialties *** As per my degree, I am especially knowledgeable regarding popular music, rock and roll, and jazz. I hold student recitals every year and I've had many students perform, as well as write their own music and gain a solid knowledge of beginner music theory. My education and experience have been comprehensive, and I am versatile within all genres of music.

Tired of being frustrated by the pace of self-teaching or is your child bored with the progress in school band class? Are you an adult who never played an instrument but are really interested in learning a wind instrument? Not able to express yourself creatively or don't really understand why your favorite songs or styles of music work? Do you want a more hands-on way of teaching with personalized plans just for you? Learn how to play the Saxophone with Michael! Michael teaches a variety of instruments and subjects in the woodwind family: - Saxophone - Clarinet - Flute - Improvisation - Music Theory - Jazz Studies Michael creates versatile and fun lesson plans that incorporate learning your favorite music while teaching theory, improvisation, note reading, songwriting, or any other interests! He has an easy-to-follow, fun, but yet structured and thorough plan designed for results to help the student reach their goals, rather than imposing an one-size-fits-all plan just from lesson books! Michael teaches anyone from kids to adults and seniors and encourages all students to be creative while really understanding the music they play. Michael incorporates classical and traditional music into lesson programs alongside modern styles to create diverse and interesting repertoire!

Students start with the Rubank book for Saxophone. Later we will add the Universal Sax method and move all the way up to Ferling Studies, along the way we learn to sight read and our scales. We work on both classical Sax solos and on jazz, learning to improv.