Saxophone with Jesse A.

Music lessons were such a chore in my childhood. My mother drudgingly dragged me to lessons every week and forced me to practice at least once a week before my next lesson. I soon met a new teacher who offered a different perspective and genuinely made playing music fun. I can honestly say that it changed my life. I wouldn't come to understand how until much later. I couldn't have even imagined becoming a professional musician until college but I was certainly given the tools to be successful in whatever I pursued living in such a demanding and competitive world. Self-confidence, active critical thinking skills, consistent work ethic, maintaining a healthy imagination, a lifelong appreciation for the arts. These all stem from my time in lessons and later my career in music. As a professional musician in the San Diego and Los Angeles area, I perform regularly with many different music groups and solo artists including Frankie J, San Diego Symphony, San Diego Winds, Sure Fire Soul Ensemble and many more. I have also coached the band programs at Helix, Hoover, Del Norte and Rancho Buena Vista High Schools on all woodwinds. Originally a classically-trained saxophonist (concert band, orchestral, solo literature), I currently hold a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Music emphasis in Jazz from California Institute of the Arts and Bachelors of Music degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. I specialize in teaching intermediate and advanced students but also work very efficiently with beginners. In the spirit of my previous teachers, I encourage new and fun methods of music instruction while still reinforcing the basics. All with the idea of having fun while playing music! Thank you for your consideration.