River's Music Lessons

River's Music Lessons

5.0Exceptional(6 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Music has always been a joy of mine that I wanted to spread.

I have been lucky enough to spread it through playing in bands for over a decade, teaching students, and getting a degree in Jazz Studies on Saxophone.

I have played music solo and in groups; whether that was Jazz saxophone in a band, Jazz combo, or big band; as a singer-songwriter on guitar; or a number of other instrumental appearances.

Aside from a few lessons I gave while in high school, I gained most of my teaching expirience through either Jazz and Baritone Saxophone informance for young children as a benefit of my degree program, or with current students of a mixed variety of ages.

My biggest musical accomplishments are:

Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies

Theater Performance Scoring

Acceptance to Master's of Music program for Afro-Latin Music

Over 100 public performances, including one at Carneige Hall

I like helping students connect with those around them, and I see very few better ways then by making and sharing music.

Music is an important tool for engaging with peers, developing memory skills, and creating an avenue for creative expression.

Because this varies student-by-student, I personally make each students excercises and lesson plans to best suit their musical wants and devlopmental needs.


Highlights

Hired 4 times
1 employee
3 years in business
Serves Turlock , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Reviews

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TT

Trevor T.

It has been great working with River!!
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July 18, 2021
Hired on Lessons

WC

William C.

River is a great instructor and really helped me grasp some Jazz theory!
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July 11, 2021

EC

Emmanuel C.

Taking lessons with River has really helped my saxophone repertoire. His various breathing exercises have greatly improved my tone! He really knows how to bring the best out of his students, whether through his knack for jokes or his musical knowledge.
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July 09, 2021

SO

Skye O.

Extremely thorough and well paced. Has a lot of knowledge and explains difficult concepts clearly and effectively. Very patient and understanding as well for beginner players.
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July 05, 2021

GM

Graham M.

River is a true professional. Hes an incredibly versatile musician with the technical skill and experience that can only be beneficial to musicians of any skill level.
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July 04, 2021

LW

Lauren W.

River is an excellent musician, who is knowledgeable in various instruments and musical styles. Being a classical pianist, I was unfamiliar with jazz piano progressions and jazz theory, and he did a phenomenal job at explaining tricky musical concepts. I had always avoided wind instruments as I’ve been unable to be successful at them, yet River’s instructing was so easy to follow that I was able to produce a decent sound on the saxophone. Also, River is a talented songwriter, who provided helpful feedback on my own songs, and taught me useful songwriting techniques that I could use when I felt stuck in the songwriting process. I highly recommend him as a music teacher!
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June 12, 2021

Frequently asked questions

I start with an interview to understand what the student is looking for and how far along their journey they are. I then make a suggestion about the most appropriate lesson plan and set up a lesson schedule and create a weekly lesson plan catered to this student.
In addition to my B.M. in Jazz Studies for Saxophone and M.M. in Afro-Latin music, I have been performing on over a dozen instruments for more than a decade and have performed with and taught people of all ages.
Saxophone (all types), Advanced Composition/Music Theory: 30 minutes - $35 1 hour - $65 3-hour package - $150 Guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele, Songwriting (Beginner-Intermediate) 30 minutes - $30 1 hour - $50 3-hour package - $125 Music Fundamentals (any or no instrument) 30 minutes - $25 1 hour - $45 3-hour package - $110
I got my first start teaching helping out fellow students in high school, but my passion for it did not start until years later when I got to work with a charter school during my sophomore year in college. I began my private practice in 2021 just before I started my Master's program.
I have worked with students as young as 6 and as old as 72. They had varied backgrounds, with some already being accomplished musicians with degrees and/or a background in a non-Western music, and others starting from complete scratch.
Make sure you find a teacher dedicated to helping you hone your craft while keeping it fun. If you don't enjoy learning the music, it will be harder to enjoy playing it.
- What music do you like? - What do you want out of learning music? - How often will you be able to practice?

Services offered

Guitar
Music Theory
Beatbox
Brass Lessons