1st lesson free
James's profile and their contact details have been verified by our experts
James
- Rate $40
- Response 1h
-
Students1
Number of students James has taught since their arrival at Superprof
Number of students James has taught since their arrival at Superprof
$40/h
Contact
1st lesson free
UK sax player studying Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music, Boston! All levels, working for you :)
Lesson location
- online
About James
I picked up the saxophone at 11, and started playing in more and more bands as I learned- this is still my favourite part about music, playing with others. During this lockdown I came across a video about a day in the life of the ‘best music school for jazz in the world’, which happened to be Berklee College of Music. This was not just the first time I had heard of Berklee, but the first time I had the realisation that one could study jazz in higher education. To flash forward during my arguably most formative years from year nine to now, I play a plethora of instruments- essentially all brass; all saxes, flute, and clarinets; enough double bass, drum and rhythm to get by; and basic keyboard, and of course live and breathe jazz, its improvisation and its pedagogy. I have a music taste ranging from Fitzgerald scats, to Brookmeyer arrangements, the cool sounds of post-bop Kenny Garrett sax, to the finest richest Ellington suites- and Spotify playlists racing a maximum of 403 hours (that’s 5,277 songs I have a problem) I partake in many ensembles, the highlights being the Kirklees Youth Jazz Orchestra in which I played the trombone at the Royal Albert Hall; the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment; and I have now developed my ear and ensemble level into a leading role, directing a Big Band of peers at school and having the role of Musical Director at Revolution Show Corps, overseeing marching members of brass, battery, and pit instruments as they compete internationally and throughout Europe. I also enjoy the theory and harmony side of my studies, being well read into voicing techniques and arranging and composing as much as possible in my spare time. My two and a half semesters at Berklee so far have been better than I could have ever imagined. The amount that I have learned, the performances I have heard, and the music I have made with such dear like-minded friends has been beyond a dream, and being at such a school sets me up for this indeed being my life. I have studied with esteemed faculty, such as jazz quintet with pianist and three-time Grammy winner Luis Perdomo, and Harmony with alto saxophonist Mark Zaleski. I have heard everyone from the likes of bassist Ron Carter to my closest friends in concert, and my understanding of music is so much greater; all in the beautiful city of Boston USA, home of beautiful autumn scenes, river walks, and a vibrant scene. I major in jazz composition, and through lectures, ear training, assignments, exams, ensembles, private teaching, and workshops, these skills are honed and the history of the practice rooting from Black African American music lineage is outlined. Many of my grades come from projects in which I have to apply a class’ principles and submit a composition or arrangement, which ensures I am truly applying my skills, and I can see my progression. Of course, the best part of music will always be playing with others; in Big Bands, orchestras, with friends– be it a jam at the sushi bar every weekend the next town over, or spontaneously in my dorm room with a guitarist and two cups of tea. Without playing collaboratively, I truly would not play nor be involved with music; and there wouldn't be any.
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
At Berklee, I'm honing skills surrounded by the musical powerhouses of the world. I'd love to talk sax, woodwind, piano, theory, harmony, composition, anything with you and see how I might be able to help your musical journey. Who do you want to sound like? What do you want to achieve? Let's chat!
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Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
1
James has been tutoring me for just under a year now on alto saxophone and has helped me go from an average-sounding tone to one I am proud of. As well as helping me develop my tone, he is teaching me jazz standards, enabling me to grasp the musical language and structure improvisations effectively.
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Rates
Rate
- $40
Pack rates
- 5h: $200
- 10h: $400
online
- $40/h
free lessons
This first lesson offered with James will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 1hr
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