About
I am Professor Emeritus from The Butler School of Music, The University of Texas. I have taught University Applied Saxophone for some 45 years in New York, Boston, New Jersey, and Texas before moving back to Los Angeles where I grew up. I taught at USC, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, etc. before moveing to New York City to continue with my performance career which includes some 2000 concerts with Orchestras such as The New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston, Baltimore, Seattle Symphonies as well as multiple tours with my Harvey Pittel Trio and Saxophone Quartet.
Please go to my web page: Harveypittel.com to hear 10 sound boxes and The Flight of The Bumble Bee without pause for breath. I have 28 recordings available from my web page, Amazon, ITunes, etc. as well as a 14 part pedagogy (how to play) of the saxophone at the Andreas Eastman You Tube site, "Harvey Pitte presents the teachings of the master, Joe Allard".
I'll appear in Disney Hall on July 29th, 18 with The California Philharmonic as well as on May 20, 18 with the Riverside Community College Wind Ensemble.
I accept all ages and levels of students including beginners, advanced players, etc. I teach the INSTRUMENT first and try to make it EASY to play. Whatever sound is in your mind's ear should be realized IF you can get out of your own way and allow it to happen. My students include the famous Branford Marsalis as well as many classical players who are performing and teaching around the world.
I'd LOVE to have a FEW private students at ANY level.
Harvey Pittel
Professor Emeritus, Butler School of Music, University of Texas
I
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Addison M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to discover what goal the students have for themselves and help them to realize that goal. Anyone can attain the sound they have in their own mind's ear if they know how to "stay out of their own way". Through years of teaching experience, I am able to help any student quickly and with little effort to realize their own sound!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began the study of music as a clarinetist at Clifford Street
Elementary School in Los Angeles at age seven. Growing up in Los
Angeles, my first private teacher was Chesley Mills. I went on to study with
Kallman Bloch, Principal Clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra;
Franklyn Stokes, Bass Clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra; AnthonyDesiderio and the late Mitchell Lurie at the University of Southern California. Upon graduation from USC with a degree in music education in 1964, I studied with
Fred Hemke at Northwestern University and received the Master of Music Degree in
Saxophone Performance in 1965.
While serving in The West Point Military Academy Band during the Viet Nam Era, I began my study with Joe Allaerd of the Juilliard School. This study continued for some 15 years as I travelled back to New York to perform, etc.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $100. per lesson at my home in Tujunga, CA. I usually go over one hour but only charge the $100. fee in total.