1^st lesson free

Maya

Rate $40
Response 1h

$40/h

1^st lesson free

Saxophone
Clarinet
Trumpet
Wind instruments
Trombone

Reliable Saxophone Educator with a BA in Wind Performance and 8 Years of Experience in Style Versatility and Technique

Saxophone
Clarinet
Trumpet
Wind instruments
Trombone

Lesson location

- At Maya's house: Bakersfield
- online
- at your home or a public place : will travel up to 20 mi. from Bakersfield

About Maya

As a saxophonist with a deep passion for jazz, blues, and improvisation, my teaching philosophy is built on the idea that music is a conversation—and students should be equipped with both the vocabulary and the confidence to join in. I guide my students to become thoughtful, creative saxophone players who can navigate technical demands while also telling their own musical story. Every lesson begins with a strong emphasis on tone. I believe the saxophone is unique in its ability to sing and speak, and a warm, controlled tone is the foundation of great playing. I focus on breathing, long tones, overtones, and embouchure development early on, alongside scales and articulation exercises. Rhythm is equally crucial—students work with metronomes, backing tracks, and clapping games to develop impeccable timing. Improvisation is not something I “add” later—it’s a core element from the start. Students explore blues scales, pentatonics, and chord progressions, improvising within simple forms before gradually tackling more complex standards. We transcribe solos by iconic saxophonists like Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, and Sonny Rollins, using their music as both inspiration and instruction. While jazz is a primary focus, I welcome students interested in other styles, including classical, pop, R&B, or funk. I tailor materials and lesson pacing to meet individual interests, goals, and learning styles. I also teach theory as a living tool: we break down real tunes to understand harmony, form, and how to construct musical ideas that connect with listeners. One memorable experience was guiding a teenage student through their first live jazz jam session. They were nervous at first, but by preparing scale patterns, solo frameworks, and listening exercises, they stepped into the spotlight and played with joy and spontaneity. That moment of breakthrough was powerful—for them and for me. My ultimate goal is to help students find their voice on the saxophone—to become fearless, flexible, and full of musical ideas. Whether a student wants to pursue music professionally or play just for fun, I provide a structured, encouraging space where creativity thrives.

About the lesson

As a saxophone educator, my teaching philosophy is inspired by the energy, freedom, and discipline of jazz. I believe that learning music—especially an expressive and versatile instrument like the saxophone—should combine technical mastery with creativity and emotional connection. My approach nurtures strong fundamentals while encouraging students to explore improvisation, composition, and interpretation from the start.

In our lessons, we begin with essential technique: tone development, breath control, articulation, embouchure, finger dexterity, and rhythm. These form the framework for confident playing across all styles. I also integrate ear training, theory, and jazz harmony early on, laying the groundwork for understanding how music works and how to think like an improviser.

My lessons are tailored to suit each student’s goals and personality. For some, that means diving deep into Charlie Parker transcriptions or exploring bebop scales and altered chords. For others, it might mean jamming over a lo-fi groove or playing soulful ballads by ear. I use play-along tracks, improvisation games, and collaborative call-and-response exercises to help students develop their listening skills, spontaneity, and stage presence.

Improvisation is a major part of my teaching—not only as a performance tool but also as a way to build confidence and ownership of music. I help students break down improvisation into digestible steps: scale choices, melodic development, phrasing, and rhythmic creativity. We also listen to great saxophonists to analyze their tone, style, and approach.

Technology plays a key role in my lessons. Students use recording software, slow-downer apps, and digital loopers to practice creatively and analyze their progress. I encourage students to create their own arrangements or covers, which strengthens their musical identity and connects them with a wider audience if they choose to share online.

One of my proudest teaching experiences was mentoring a student who felt limited by traditional sheet music. Through a custom program focusing on ear-based learning, jazz harmony, and expressive soloing, they grew into a passionate player who now leads their own ensemble. Their journey showed me how powerful personalized teaching can be.

Above all, I aim to make saxophone lessons a place where technique and joy coexist—where students feel supported, inspired, and free to express themselves through music.

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

5h: $200
10h: $400

online

$40/h

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Maya will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

Reliable Saxophone Educator with a BA in Wind Performance and 8 Years of Experience in Style Versatility and Technique

Lesson location

About Maya

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

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Reliable Saxophone Educator with a BA in Wind Performance and 8 Years of Experience in Style Versatility and Technique

Lesson location

About Maya

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

Other tutors in Saxophone

HS

Guy

Nikita

Charles

Gonzalo

Fede

Matt

Jeff

Ed

Jake

Temidayo

Kiroulos

Keith

Aaron

Charles

David

Rosalind

Stewart

Paul

Nicholas

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