How to Contact Brian
Background
Education
- B.M. Saxophone Performance
- M.A.T. Music Education
- University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA
Teaching
Brian has been teaching for over 15 years. In addition to his private studio of saxophone, flute, and clarinet students, he currently works as a clinician, woodwind instructional specialist, and substitute band director for the Conejo Valley and Las Virgenes school districts. Brian’s approach to teaching starts with a warm and exploratory environment where his “ability to connect with his students parallels his high expectations and depth of knowledge, which enable a very valuable lesson” (Sarah, student).
Performance
In addition to teaching, Brian is a composer, arranger, and freelance woodwind performer. He frequents many local ensembles and big bands such as Scott Yawger’s Conejo Valley Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Rock Party, Woody James Legacy Big Band, The Los Angeles Police Concert Band, and is currently a member of the Verve Sax Quartet.
Brian is also a founding member and lead saxophonist in the Urban Renewal Project, a modern 12-piece big band with guest vocalists and emcees out of Los Angeles that blends the boundaries of traditional genres into a danceable mix of styles from pop, rock, and hip-hop to jazz and reggae. The Urban Renewal Project has performed in numerous cities on both coasts, released 3 albums with a 4th in production, and keeps busy with touring, local shows, and regional and international festivals.
Studio
Lesson Offerings
Brian teachers improvisation, composition & theory, musicianship & ear training to hobbyists and aspiring professionals of all levels and ages on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, flute, and clarinet.
Lesson materials can vary, and are usually customized per student, but typically include a core of established jazz and classical methods by, Paul DeVille, Larry Teal, Lennie Niehaus, Hyacinthe E. Klose, Sigurd M. Rascher, Joseph Viola, Carl Baermann, Cyrille Rose, The Rubank Educational Library, and Hal Leonard.
Genres/Styles
Studies in all genres emphasizing core instrument technique, tone & intonation, music reading & theory, sight reading, ensemble and solo playing.
Teaching Hours
Tuesday through Friday. Please contact Brian for specific times.
Policies
- Lesson cancellations (“early cancels”) are made at least 24 hours in advance. Exemptions to this rule include cases of emergency only.
- Every effort will be made to schedule make-up lessons for early cancels, but they are provided as a courtesy and are at the discretion of the instructor according to schedule availability.
- “No shows” or lessons not canceled in advance: no make-up lessons will be scheduled and the instructor reserves the right to charge for the missed lesson at the full rate.
Testimonials
“My daughter has been Brian’s student the past few years. She loves to learn from Brian because he makes it fun and easy. He is very knowledgeable, kind, and he has a lots of patience with kids. Every week my daughter is looking forward to her lesson with Brian.”
Niki
Parent
“Brian has been an integral part of my son’s musical development as a saxophone player. He has been a great teacher and mentor. His passion for music, and his enthusiasm for teaching is apparent and inspiring. He has helped my son achieve a place in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Assoc. and California Band Director’s Assoc. Middle School Honor Bands. We are looking forward to his continued instruction to help our son reach all of his musical aspirations.”
Cindy K.
Parent