I teach all ages and abilities on Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone out of my Hackney music studio. I’ve been playing sax for over half my life, during which time I’ve had some amazing teachers along the way who, not only have taught me how to be proficient on my instrument but also let me experience various methods of teaching and have taught me important lessons in musicality. All of this has given me an insight into how different people can learn best, meaning that each lesson I give will be different and tailored to each individual student. 

I have lots of experience in both live performance and recording in professional studios (Abbey Road, Lightship95, Hackney Road Studios, Super Symmetry Studios, Young Space, Domino Recording Co., 160 DL), and my own studio in Hackney Downs, so if desired I can also teach recording techniques for saxophone. 

Genre-wise I listen to and make a very wide range of music and feel very comfortable playing lots of different styles but my main focus is on contemporary jazz.

Happy to travel to your house but I also have my own studio in Hackney Downs that is perfect for lessons as you can play as loud as you like in there. In this space I am also able to teach and demonstrate recording techniques, help record demos and share info about recording equipment.

Lessons really depend on what you want to get out of them and I'm more than happy to guide students in whichever direction they are drawn. If all you know is that you want to learn the saxophone, I also have lesson plans that generally lead students to inspiration for the direction they want to go in after a couple of sessions.

I'm comfortable teaching the grading system and have taught to Grade 8 level with ABRSM and Trinity but am also just as at home teaching you some of your favourite songs, how to improvise and express yourself through the saxophone, and also how to write songs. I am a very well versed improviser and regularly play a number of different styles including but not limited to Jazz, Contemporary Classical, Rock, Pop, Funk, Blues and Free Jazz.

My saxophone teaching practice relies on the principles of having a strong tone (your personal sound) and good time (your personal rhythmic feel), these fundamentals have been essential to my practice over the years and remain pivotal within my teaching practice. Not only will a focus on these make you a great saxophone player but (towards the start of your saxophone journey) they will also keep you in good favour with your neighbours!

For me, the most important part of learning any instrument is to use it as a tool for self expression and my main aim for all my students is to give them the means to express themselves.

Lessons are priced at £40/hour, with discounts available for block bookings. Please get in touch via isaacrobertson47@gmail.com or the inquiry form.