Greg S. TakeLessons Instructor music, saxophone, theory, composition, ensembles Seattle, WA

The distinctive voice of saxophonist, bass clarinetist and composer Greg evolves from a psyche absorbed in both classical and jazz studies. His study of form and structure along with his love of improvisation unite in artfully crafted music that expresses the "phenomenon of exploration" with exquisitely composed melodic harmonies and textures.

Greg’s early years were spent in the Northwest playing bebop and traditional jazz arrangements in high school bands. Here he developed an appreciation for jazz forms. He began his college education at Central Washington University, then traveled to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory where he received a BA in Jazz Studies. While studying composition and improvisation at the Conservatory, he developed an ear for timber -- something he had not heard in the standard jazz combo.

This led him to the work of famed microtonal composer and improviser Joseph Maneri. Maneri says of their time together, "Greg came to hear me quite often. My intuition told me he had to study with me." Greg steeped himself in the fundamentals of modern classical music developing his own unique style. Working under the instruction of Maneri he saw, "Greg’s God-given gift flourish like the palm trees. His musicianship is on the highest of levels." While at the Conservatory Greg also had the privilege of studying with George Garzone, Jimmy Giuffre, and others.

Returning to Seattle after a brief stint in San Francisco, Greg began writing music and putting exciting projects together; Vena Cava, The Greg S Trio, Cipher, Frieze of Life, the Greg S Band and the trio "Goat". He also began writing large scale works that combine composition and improvisational elements.

Greg has been the recipient of grants from the Puffin Foundation, Jack Straw Foundation, Centrum, 4Culture and The City of Seattle and has been Artist in Residence at the Banff Center and the Atlantic Center for the Arts.

He has also worked and performed with Gunther Schuller, Jimmy Giuffre, Wayne Horvitz, Dave Douglas, Donny McCaslin, Greg Osby, Cuong Vu, Robert Dick, Amy Denio, John Edwards, Caroline Krabel, Bob Marsh, Matt Moran and many others.

He is currently working on a number of scores that will accompany the silent films of Wladislaw Starewicz.

~ ~ ~Education ~ ~ ~

Interlake High School - - 1986-1989

Central Washington University - 1990-91

New England Conservatory - Jazz, Composition, Improvisation - 1991-1995

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My students not only learn technique and important basics of musical language, they learn how to be musicians. I pride myself on teaching each individual how to be the best musician they can be, by recognizing that in each student lies a musical contribution.

My overriding philosophy is that we all have something to say musically, and its my job to bring that out.

How do I achieve this? By designing custom lessons with your specific needs and goals, and creating exercises solely for you.

Jazz, rock, classical, chamber music

music, saxophone, theory, composition, ensembles