Saxophone / Improvisation / Theory / Composition Lessons
Contact me now to schedule your first lesson FREE
Jacob Zimmerman: jjjzzz22@gmail.com (425)-765-9493
Currently accepting students for any of the following:
Private Saxophone Lessons (all ages and levels)
- Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of playing the saxophone including breathing, tone production, finger technique, articulations, as well as advanced techniques such as circular breathing and multiphonics if the student is so inclined.
- Students will gain a well-rounded and open-minded approach to the saxophone through exposure to a wide variety of playing styles and techniques, from classical to jazz, and beyond.
Jazz Improvisation (open to all instrumentalists and levels)
- Through the practice of ear training exercises (transcription, interval studies, singing), rhythmic exercises, as well as developing a firm knowledge of jazz harmonic theory, students will develop their own approach to spontaneous melodic improvisation.
- If so inclined students can also learn more about the history and development of improvisation as a universal art form not limited to the stylistic context of jazz.
Music Theory & Composition
- Students will understand the fundamentals of traditional tonal harmony and counterpoint, as well as a variety of 20th century compositional techniques such as 12-tone/serialism, minimalism, indeterminate/open scoring, and structured improvisation.
- Composition students will be challenged to write music for a wide variety of instrumentations, and performance contexts as well as learning how to effectively execute and achieve their own unique conceptual goals at a reasonable learning pace.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long and frequent are lessons?
A: For elementary and middle school age students lessons are generally 30-minutes. All other students are strongly encouraged to commit to 60-minute lessons as it's very difficult to consistently improve otherwise. Lessons are generally scheduled weekly.
Q: Do you give house calls?
A: Yes. Since I don't have a car I currently only offer house calls that are public transportation accessible within the East Bay. I'll go to San Francisco but will need my travel expenses to be reimbursed. I can also teach out of my home in South Berkeley depending on what is most convenient.
Q: How much practicing should I expect?
A: It all depends on how much the student is willing to invest in improving their abilities. The most important part of practicing is to set realistic goals for consistently practicing everyday. Practicing for 10 minutes 7 days in a row is always more beneficial than practicing 70 minutes once a week.
Q: How much do lessons cost?
A: It all depends on the student and a variety of factors. I prefer to discuss payment in person after I have met the student and assessed their needs and interests during the first lesson.
Q: Do you offer ensemble instruction and master classes?
A: Yes. I am a very active bandleader and have had a wide variety of experience rehearsing both classical and jazz ensembles.
Q: Do I have to buy music?
A: Yes. Depending on the student he/she may be required to purchase one or more of the following classic texts:
Rubank Elementary Method For Saxophone by N.W. Hovey
25 Daily Exercises for Saxophone by H. Klose
The Universal Method for the Saxophone by Paul deVille
Top-Tones for the Saxophone by Sigurd Rascher
All are affordable and available from Amazon.