“Nathan is a fantastic teacher who is very patient and encouraging. I’ve found myself progressing much faster in my saxophone lessons than with any other teacher I’ve tried previously, and he is always supportive and constructively critical. I would definitely recommend Nathan to anyone looking for a saxophone teacher. Thanks!”

L. Shiels (Sax Student, London)

Want to start saxophone lessons?

That’s great news, and I should especially say thank you for your interest in my teaching website! The saxophone is a brilliant instrument to learn and so much fun to play.

I offer 6 options for tuition, suitable for whether you are a complete beginner, intermediate or advanced level player. These lessons can be either online (using the Skype or Zoom platforms) or face-to-face lessons at my studio in Coulsdon, South London.

To clarify, the options for lessons (with their main features) are as follows: –

Beginner Saxophone Lessons Example Content

• Technical Work: Basics of tone production (reed care & positioning, embouchure formation, articulation etc.)
• Introduction of mid-range notes
• Understanding written music
• Playing of melodies in initial keys (within the mid-range of notes)
• Initial major & minor scales (to improve technique & understanding of harmony)

Intermediate Saxophone Lessons Example Content

• Technical Work: Expanding knowledge of major and minor scales (improving dexterity)
• Expanding knowledge of the saxophone to cover full range of the instrument (including alternate fingering – Fork F# & Side Key C etc.)
• Work on more challenging repertoire (covering a variety of time and key signatures, wider ranging tempos, and increased range of the saxophone)
• Introduction to techniques including vibrato, bends/scoops, and falls.
• Introduction to jazz and improvisation (using jazz etude books and backing tracks covering swing quavers, articulation, shape of solos)

Advanced Saxophone Lessons Example Content

• Technical Work: Work on scales in all 12 keys covering the full range of the saxophone also and in thirds
• Introduction to jazz scales (including modes, blues, pentatonic, altered and diminished scales etc.)
• Introduction to advanced techniques such as harmonics/overtones, the altissimo register, growls and slap tonguing.
• Understanding of jazz theory (covering chord formation and their relationship with scales for soloing, substitutions etc.)
• Playing and analysis of jazz, blues and funk etudes and solo transcriptions (focusing on phrasing/articulation, note selection, improvisation techniques ie. enclosures etc.)
• Improvisation: Understanding the relationship between chords and scales and implementing their use, use of guide tones to learn chord progressions/pieces, and use of licks/jazz language in solos.

Not sure which is the best lesson option for you?

Get in touch and I will be happy to help!

“Working around my abilities, Nathan helped me get back on track and start improving my playing once again after I had gone through a particularly difficult plateau in my learning. After every lesson I came away feeling more positive and confident, and after two years of his help I came away from university with a first. He is an excellent player, a kind and understanding teacher, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wishing to learn the saxophone.”

C. Hunter (Sax Student, London)

Thinking of studying a Music Degree?

I have been Professor of Saxophone at London College of Music since 2011, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students on the Music Performance course.

London College of Music has world class instrumental and academic teachers, great facilities, and fantastic ensemble and performance opportunities available. LCM prides itself on its fantastic community of staff and students who are inspiring, diverse and international.

To find out about the different courses available at the college, and learn more about what life is like at the University of West London in general click here.

I am thrilled that upon graduating from their degree courses around 90% of my saxophone students either go into the music profession or continue their studying at LCM or other institutions.

If you are therefore thinking of pursuing a career as a professional saxophonist, and would like to know more about live as a saxophone student at LCM why don’t you get in touch and book an hour long consultation listen with me. That way I’ll be able to give you an overview of the different courses available, and give you an idea of the saxophone syllabus requirements.

If you are thinking of studying a degree in music London College of Music could well be the perfect choice for you!

“Nathan has been a great tutor during my BMus saxophone degree at LCM. His methods and teaching techniques helped me in numerous ways, not only to become a good teacher but to also have the confidence to perform live.”

C. Charalambous (Sax Student, Cyprus)

Give it a go!

Playing music can be one of the great joys in life and moreover, the saxophone is one of the most versatile and popular instruments to learn. There is a wealth of fantastic pieces written for the sax spanning practically every genre of music, so there really is something for everyone.

If you want to learn a new skill, or perhaps you are looking a teacher who will present you with a new challenge, I believe having saxophone lessons can and should be a truly rewarding experience for both student and teacher, so let’s do it together!