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I like to make sure that exercises are not looked at as a punishment. Breaking down how to apply a technique is as important as learning it.
Finally, I like to keep things light. I'm not going to motivate you by scaring you into practicing. There are other teachers that are good at that, but that's not my style. I'd rather work on finding out how to get you to be self motivated and actually enjoy what you're doing.
My specialties include jazz and pop styles.
About Steve M.
I'm a saxophonist, pianist, arranger & songwriter. I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Professional Music Degree, and currently run a sheet music startup called NiceChart. I have been a Music Director for Middle School and High School Bands and also have over 15 years experience teaching privately. Private lessons allow a better transfer of knowledge and I love watching students progress!
I have been in touring bands, jazz bands, wedding bands, funk bands, and pop bands. Fun Fact: I was even once in a bossa nova Guns n' Roses jazz trio called Guns n' Nova. You could say I've played a lot of different styles.
I teach my clients in my comfortable home teaching studio in Clairemont, San Diego. I work with beginner and intermediate piano students and all levels for saxophone. I'm open to students of any age and musical goals.
In my music career I've performed with Steffan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) and Ed Robertson (Bare Naked Ladies) and played in bands that have opened for Guster, Blues Traveler, and The Wailers.
Some of the musical styles I regularly teach: Pop, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B, and Classical.
Reviews
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Online
Steve has been great. We had to switch to online due to social distancing, and it has worked out just fine. He even gave us the first online lesson free to see if it we wanted to continue with it. He is a natural at communicating with kids, keeps it very fun, and has been great at getting our 8 year old started with piano.
Online
My son enjoys lessons w him very much.
Teacher's Studio
Great first lesson with my brand-new to music kids (age 8 and 10). Steve is a natural with kids.
Student's Home
Very kind, patient, and good at explaining different concepts!
Teacher's Studio
Off to a good start.
Teacher's Studio
We have had just one lesson, and already my son is playing so well. Steve was kind and supportive, and he taught us all about saxophone fingering, note reading, and how to play good notes.
Teacher's Studio
Had a great first lesson. We got down to business and starting coming up with a plan. I’m looking forward to my future lessons a lot!
Teacher's Studio
I started taking saxophone lessons from Steve in Fall 2017 after not picking up the horn in 10 years. He is very knowledgeable in theory and technique and has been extremely beneficial in helping me get my chops back up par. In these lessons I did not have much direction for Steve on what I'd like to accomplish but that wasn't an issue for him as he was able to make each lesson worth while by shedding light on harmony theory and creating lines as well as different techniques to focus on to improve my playing.
I just bought an additional 10 lessons and had my first lesson of 2018 with Steve this May and am very happy with my decision. He is giving me great feedback on charts I am playing and really giving me a sounding board to ask questions and grow as a musician within this instrument (alto). I personally have a fairly solid foundation in music theory but if you are new to music theory Steve can break that down for you step by step.
I look forward to continuing my lessons with Steve and am already seeing the benefits of having a great teacher.
Photos & Videos
2 Photos & Videos
Experience
Instrumental Music Teacher
Aug 2011 - Jan 2016Pacific Ridge School
Ran the instrumental program there directing the Jazz and Chamber Ensembles, as well as teaching AP Music Theory.
Education
Professional Music
Aug 2006 - Oct 2008Berklee College of Music
Business Management
Sep 1997 - Jun 2001Northeastern University
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
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