IN SEARCH OF A SAX TEACHER? MY NAME IS DAVE GOOD, I PLAY SAX
And I can help!
As an instructor I have but one job: to leave you in a better place as a sax player. I’ve been playing saxophone since I was 10 or 11 years old, and the instrument has changed my life for the better. Whether you intend to go pro, need to ace a middle school scales test, a college audition, or just want to sit out on your own front porch and entertain your neighbors, my hope for you is to have the same level of joy that playing has brought me.
Online or in-person, we focus on learning all of the basic saxophone fundamentals like tone, articulation, intonation, time, and repertoire. Be excellent at the basics is a proven formula for learning the horn and having fun.
That, and a big song vocabulary helps students of any age and skill level get better at learning this thing we call the language of music. Middle-school age through adult — we serve beginners, intermediate, and advanced level students. Igor K, an adult learner, says this:
“I am truly happy that you taught me to play saxophone. I came to you knowing nothing, and now I feel confident enough to perform in front of others. This was my dream for years.”
More advanced students may want to learn how to play improvised solos. Whether jazz, blues, funk, gospel, or soul music, I can help. I offer fun, innovative, and friendly instruction designed to get results. I understand sax student psychology, and am able to keep my students motivated. With well over 250,000 minutes of sax instruction time, I’ve learned how to connect.
“My daughter studied alto sax with Dave for two years,” writes Lifang W. “She was 14 and had never played jazz or improvised. After only seven months with Dave, she successfully auditioned for San Diego’s prestigious Young Lions Jazz Conservatory.”
To gain a better understanding of who I am and my approach to teaching
Have a look here at my YouTube channel, which is offered as an adjunct to private lessons.
Alto, or tenor sax?
As a general rule, we try to fit the horn to the size of the student. Altos are smaller and easier to handle and are quite often the first choice for school-age players. Tenor saxophones are larger, and baritone saxophones are even larger still. But if you are undecided, think about renting a horn for a few months and trying it out. In the North County area of San Diego, try Bertrand’s Music. In the East County area, Alan’s Music in La Mesa is user-friendly and offers great rentals too.
Since I have been taking lessons I have stretched myself further than with other past teachers I’ve had. Dave doesn’t focus on scales and etudes, but on tone, technique, air supply, and ear training.
I’ve played sax for several decades but literally in just one session with Dave, I received six practical and actionable items that have already paid great dividends in improving my playing.
Dave has really inspired me to reach new heights in my playing and he gave me the opportunity to play onstage for the first time, which ignited my enthusiasm even more. I was looking for more feel and inspiration than traditional straight lessons and Dave has done that and then some.
Dave is a passionate saxophone teacher and has inspired my son to play more and expand his musical repertoire. He has continued to bring joy to the instrument, while developing his musical ear and knowledge.
I’ve been under Dave’s instruction for about two years. He is innovative, unconventional, patient, and constantly coaching. His approach adapts to learning styles and goals. Saturdays with Dave are never boring.
In just a few hours of personal instruction over the phone, Zoom, email, and texting, Dave helped me break through some equipment barriers that allowed me to move forward in my quest to be a lead alto player.
Dave’s Lessons over the last eight months have provided our high school baritone sax player with a safe environment to take risks, challenging opportunities for growth, and he supported her learning goals all while building a personal connection.
