Aaron H. TakeLessons Instructor All Saxophones, clarinet, flute, piano, bass clarinet, music theory, improvisation, all... 32nd st. Astoria, NY, Astoria, NY

Saxophonist/woodwinds/Keyboards/Vocals -

Originally from Porterville, California, Aaron graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA in '05.  He was a recipient of the Charlie Parker Award for woodwind excellence as well as World Scholarship Tour recipient. Notable artists Aaron has performed with include Me'Shell N'degeocello, Michel Camilo, David Tronzo, Tiger Okoshi, George Garzone, Bryan Baker, Matthew Stevens, and Joe Lovano. He has studied with notable teachers and performers such as Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Hal Crook, Dave Santoro, Joanne Brakeen, Frank Tiberi, and performed at The Monterey Jazz Festival and Next Generation Festival in Monterey, CA (Bryan Baker Quartet), The North Sea Jazz Festival, Tri-C Jazz Festival, and venues all over New York and New England.

Inclined towards progressive jazz, modern classical, cutting edge rock and electronica, I am comfortable teaching in most any style and idiom.  My wide range of influences has given me the background to educate at any skill level, at any age, and I have a high success rate with children of all ages.  

In addition to stressing proper instrumental technique and fundamentals, I also like to establish and introduce the student to the theory behind the music, as I find this broadens their overall understanding of not only their instrument, but music in general.  I use ear training very often as well.  I am particularly adept at teaching improvisation in the jazz idiom, while encouraging students to use their theoretical knowledge when learning to solo and improvise.  I also teach composition using the same topics, as they go hand in hand very well.  I often incorporate the use of electronic music programs and computers in my teaching, if applicable, as well as sound recordings for demonstration.  I am not strict when it comes to practice regiments, as I understand that every person is different, but I am firm in requiring that a student follow my suggestions in terms of technique and fundamentals. I will not force a student to play a particular style or piece, so I try to gather their interests and pick material with them that is in line with their likes.

I specialize in teaching improvisation and the theoretical and concepts involved. I also specialize in composition and the application of theory and musical "tendencies" in order to be a complete musician.

Berklee College of Music - music Performance - 2002-2005
University of Redlands - Music - 1999-2001
Monache High School - NA - 1995-1999

All Saxophones, clarinet, flute, piano, bass clarinet, music theory, improvisation, all performance techniques, instrumental proficiency (classical and jazz/contemporary)
All levels.