Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 10+
Speaks English
Teaching since 2007
Game Audio
About Aaron R.
I am a professional saxophonist, composer, music producer, and audio designer for games and other non-linear experiences.
I strongly believe in the values of listening, improvising (both in music and in life), and treating every instance and detail as a chance to learn. These are the values on which I base my teaching, as well as my own music.
For lessons, I offer teaching in the following:
BEGINNER MUSICIANS (ANY INSTRUMENT)
- Intro to music theory (scales, chords, harmony, rhythm)
- Reading music (both with and without your saxophone!)
- How to learn your favorite songs and play them for your friends & family.
- Basic saxophone technique / creating your sound
- Basic Piano technique and harmony.
INTERMEDIATE SAXOPHONISTS / COMPOSERS
- Exercises and patterns to improve your speed, range, control, and intonation (i.e. "Intermediate saxophone technique")
- Intro to transcription ("How do I learn to quickly play what I hear on a song or album?") We'll be looking at some simple solos from the great jazz, blues, rock, and pop instrumentalists.
- Intro to composition ("How do I tell a compelling story in a fixed amount of time?")
- Intro to Improvisation. (Use your knowledge of music theory and technique to play cool new stuff on the spot during a song!)
- Intro to music notation. ("How do I write music down on paper?") Handwritten or via notation software such as Finale and Sibelius.
ADVANCED SAXOPHONISTS / JAZZ COMPOSERS
- Advanced transcription. (We'll be looking at more technically and musically challenging solos on your instrument to improve technique and understanding of how to master your instrument.)
- Advanced music notation techniques using Sibelius and Finale.
- How to self-record to practice, using software like Logic and Pro Tools.
- Advanced jazz & classical harmony. ("Wait, I thought there were just 3 chords?")
- Advanced composition. (Write music for various ensembles, including jazz big band, orchestra, wind ensemble, rock band, choir, or string quartet.)
FILM SCORING (BASIC)
- Using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Logic, ProTools, and GarageBand.
- Recording MIDI instruments
- Writing music to video (quickly!)
- Scene analysis from a movie (pick your favorite movie scene with music and we'll analyze how the music is supporting it!)
FILM SCORING (ADVANCED)
- Making your music sound professional (using advanced sample libraries such as Spitfire, 8Dio, Cinesamples, etc.)
- Basic mixing techniques using plugins from Waves, Soundtoys, and stock DAW plugins.
- Orchestration
- Using Synthesizers in your music (or to support orchestral elements).
- Basic mastering techniques.
- Advanced film music transcription. (We'll transcribe some music from a movie scene and go in-depth about how it's working, talking about mix, orchestration, use of harmony, rhythm, etc.)
Instructor details
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
5 PM-9 PM
Tuesday
5 PM-9 PM
Wednesday
5 PM-9 PM
Thursday
5 PM-9 PM
Friday
5 PM-9 PM
Saturday
9 AM-8 PM
Sunday
9 AM-8 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
60 minutes
$40
120 minutes
$70
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Experience
Private Saxophone Teacher
Jan, 2009 - PresentPrivate
Audio Director
Sep, 2019 - Mar, 2020AppliedVR
Composer / Sound Designer
Sep, 2018 - Sep, 2019AppliedVR
Assistant
Feb, 2018 - Aug, 2018Matt Bowen
Studio Assistant
Jan, 2018 - Aug, 2018Bear McCreary / Sparks & Shadows
Music Production Intern
Jan, 2017 - Apr, 2017Sony PlayStation
Santa Monica Studios
Creative Music Director
May, 2016 - Jul, 2018Sokamba Performing Arts Company
sokamba.com
Education
Jazz Studies/Saxophone
Aug, 2013 - May, 2017University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Game Audio
Aug, 2014 - May, 2017University of Southern California, Interactive Media and Game Design
Awards
Best Jazz Composition, High School Division
May, 2011Downbeat Magazine Student Awards
1st Place College Combo Division
Apr, 2017Next Generation Jazz Festival
Best Jazz Soloist
Apr, 2013Next Generation Jazz Festival
Languages
English
Native Proficiency
Aaron's Gallery
Instructor details
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
5 PM-9 PM
Tuesday
5 PM-9 PM
Wednesday
5 PM-9 PM
Thursday
5 PM-9 PM
Friday
5 PM-9 PM
Saturday
9 AM-8 PM
Sunday
9 AM-8 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
60 minutes
$40
120 minutes
$70
Private Lessons
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