Saxophone with Nicole G.

Nicole’s journey in music began when her father introduced her to improvised music at a young age. Her earliest exposure to jazz included Sonny Rollins’ “Saxophone Collossus” and John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”. She began playing the clarinet at the age of ten, transitioning to tenor saxophone the following year. Nicole’s interest and curiosity for music began to blossom in high school. She became involved in a variety of performance ensembles, both within her school and in the community. In 2007, Nicole joined the Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra directed by Thara Memory. This competitive, pre-professional ensemble not only provided a solid foundation in the classic repertoire of the jazz lineage, but also granted her the opportunity to travel the country and perform at several renowned jazz festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. She was also involved in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s top Jazz Orchestra. In 2008, she met Alan Jones and become involved in the Alan Jones Academy of Music, further deepening her love and appreciation for the music, as well as a heightened knowledge of playing in a small-group setting. In 2009, Nicole was one of 19 students from across the nation to be selected for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, who embarked on a national tour that involved playing with Bobby Watson and Julian Lage, concluding with a performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Wynton Marsalis. Nicole received a scholarship to William Paterson University, where she was granted the opportunity to study with Rich Perry, Mulgrew Miller, Harold Mabern, Bill Goodwin, Kevin Norton, Steve LaSpina, Marcus McLaurine, Vincent Herring, and James Weidman. Close proximity to New York City also provided Nicole with the opportunity to experience the city's thriving music scene, as well as experience with new types of musical projects. Throughout her musical career, Nicole has had the pleasure of performing with such great musicians as Esperanza Spalding, Mulgrew Miller, Rich Perry, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Alan Jones, George Colligan, Darrell Grant, Christian Scott, Essiet Essiet, Randy Porter, Mel Brown, Julian Lage, Bernard Purdie, Javon Jackson, Obo Addy, Eric Alexander, Wycliffe Gordon, Gary Smulyan, Red Holloway, David Ornette Cherry, Terell Stafford, Dana Hall, and Thara Memory. Nicole returned to Portland, Oregon in 2011 to resume her studies with Alan Jones. She now performs regularly with pianist George Colligan, as well as her own jazz trio and with Happy People, a jazz quintet that performs all original music. In 2012, Nicole was invited to travel to France to play in the Vannes Jazz Festival in an Alan Jones Academy of Music Quartet. *** Lesson Details *** We would begin our first lesson with a relaxed conversation about music! I want to know what areas of music interest you and the role that music has in your life. It is very important to me that our lessons specifically address your interests and desires. From there, I will customize our lesson plan to help you achieve your goals. I have a powerful background in music performance, jazz improvisation, harmony, music theory, composition, ear training, rhythm, repertoire, transcription, saxophone, flute, clarinet, and education. *** Studio Equipment *** Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Drum Set, Guitar Amplifiers, Music Stands, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Guitar, Guitar Pedals. And a cat. *** Specialties *** I specialize in jazz improvisation, harmony, composition, ear training, sight-singing, music performance, music business, saxophone technique, transcription, repertoire, and theory/analysis.