Saxophone and Clarinet Lessons near Somerville and Cambridge, MA. Union Lesson Studios offers saxophone and clarinet lessons for kids and adults of all levels. We help students gain the technique, repertoire, and confidence they need to play in practically any style of music. We're conveniently located at 11 Bow Street in Somerville's Union Square. Online lessons are available via video calling.
Bio: Aaron Gratzmiller is a saxophonist and pianist based in Boston, MA. His energetic playing and stylistic versatility has helped him become one of the most active performers in New England, sharing the stage with notable artists in a variety of musical settings. Aaron has 7 years of experience teaching private lessons, and is active in the artistic community through organizations such as the New England Jazz Enrichment Foundation, for which he serves as the Director of Arts and Education. He majored in music at both Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, graduating from Berklee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance.
Teaching Philosophy: "There are many reasons for studying music; some people seek lessons with specific musical goals in mind, while others are simply looking for a fun and engaging way to spend their free time. I try to address each student’s needs by showing them how to make small improvements each week. On both the piano and the saxophone, this usually involves working on the fundamentals- tone, time, technique, and reading. I also enjoy working with students to select (or even write) real music that relates to their lessons, then helping them through the process of preparing for a performance. Beyond that, it’s all about having fun and trying something new."
Saxophone instructor Aaron Gratzmiller answers some questions you may have about learning this instrument:
9 years old and up. Kids who are too young or small to hold the saxophone comfortably are encouraged to try the clarinet, recorder, or piano.
You'll need a saxophone (alto recommended for beginners), mouthpiece, ligature, reed, neck strap, and any kind of notebook. Please contact us if you have any questions or need help finding an instrument.
Beginner saxophonists generally need to spend some time learning how to produce a good sound, the basics of music notation, and how to play different notes on the instrument. Most people start playing simple songs within the first few weeks of taking lessons.
If you have taken lessons before, bring any warmups, books, and songs/ repertoire that you've learned. Having at least one reed that you've "broken in" is very helpful as well. Many advancing students have specific goals in taking lessons here, and that's fine with us!