Claire Phillips Music

Sax lessons for all ages and types of sax

Lessons available in and around the Bay Area for all levels; complete beginners, improvers, and advanced students.

(Flute lessons available for doublers and flautists who want to learn how to play jazz).

I believe music lessons should be fun and inspiring. Each lesson I teach is catered to the students’ individual needs, looking specifically at areas that need the most improvement to ensure satisfying progress. Students learn by working on songs that they enjoy, while getting structured exercises to achieve a higher technical ability and sound production.

I try my best to motivate students to become better musicians by having well-rounded lessons incorporating music theory and a greater understanding of music history and performance, encouraging music to be a part of everyday life.

Some key things covered in lessons include:
- How to form the habit of practicing
- Good tone production and breathing habits
- Proper fingering and tonguing technique
- Sight reading and memorization
- Jazz improvisation
- Music theory
- Ear training and listening skills
- How to play musically

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TESTIMONIALS

I am proud to say that I had a break-through with my saxophone playing while studying with Claire. This is no mean feat considering I was somewhat stuck in my ways at the age of 67. Claire is rigorous right through from her planning, to technique, and its implementation. Through my improvement I have recaptured so much joy, I am ever grateful for that. -Tom, Alto Sax 

Claire is a wonderful teacher. She has brought out such enthusiasm in my son and has a great method of pushing him to challenge himself. She was also very flexible in fitting with our family schedule, which is invaluable for a mother!  -Sarah, Parent 

I’m a final year music student and really love taking lessons from Claire. She makes sure I really get the most out of the lesson that I can. My technique has progressed incredibly and my recitals have been a great success because of it. I have also been in Claire’s Big Band for a year and have had so much fun. She has a pretty modern and exciting repertoire for us that means our concerts are always popular because we’re different and more energetic than other ensembles.  -Alex, Tenor Sax 

Claire came at a great time for my 9 year old daughter. Her former teacher was well qualified, but lacked the energy and motivation that Claire had to offer. My daughter’s new found enjoyment in practicing [her saxophone] at home is remarkable enough to sing Claire praises, let alone her solid improvement in playing.  -Jenny, Parent 

I like Claire’s saxophone lessons, especially the improvising we do together. I always look forward to learning new songs.  -James, (age 11) Alto Sax

FAQ

Q. How do I book a lesson?
A. Contact me here and we'll go from there. 

Q. Where are lessons held? 
A. At my home in Oakland. I occasionally will travel to you upon arrangement for a fee. 

Q. Do you teach all sizes of saxophone? 
A. Yes! 

Q. Could I be too young or too old to learn the saxophone? 
A. If you’re 8 years old or older, you are the perfect age to start. I would be happy to teach students younger than 8 to learn the piano in a friendly and fun way! The saxophone can be a bit heavy for the little ones to hold without straining their backs. 

Q. What styles of music do you teach? 
A. I teach classical, Latin, jazz and jazz improvisation. Students can also learn to play their favorite songs in any style. The fundamentals of music and technique on the instrument are universal no matter what style you’re playing, so I am happy to teach you the style that you most want to learn.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. No-shows are responsible for the full lesson price. Contact me as soon as possible for any known schedule conflict and I will try to accommodate you. Repeated cancellations and conflicts may result in forfeiting your allotted time slot.