As a teacher, I always try to focus on what the student is passionate about, while keeping in mind their weaknesses or aversions. When I was a student, the most profound growth I experienced was when I was fully engaged in the act of music making. I want to guide my students along a path to fall in love with music, whatever form that may come in. I know this will be much more valuable than any technique or song I could ever teach them. While I know this is the goal, I am also aware that this won’t happen with every student. Often this process happens further down the line. In those cases I just want them to get the most they can out of music, and enjoy the process of growing as a musician and a person. It is very important to me to teach music to a diverse community of students. This is how I grew up learning music, and it truly is a way of bringing communities together. It has also been my privilege as a teacher to serve many underprivileged communities (as a part of Oakland Summer music, and Oakland Public Conservatory), as I believe everyone deserves access to quality music education. In my private or group lessons, I like to first gauge the students’ listening habits and any music they are listening to. In my experience with younger students, many of them have yet to start listening to music on their own. I try to provide them a space to just listen to music. This way we can work on their technique through music they already enjoy. I will often have them learn songs by ear while also working on some fundamentals such as scales or tonging. We would also work on whatever weaknesses the student may have in their own public music programs or in their other music making. Often that is reading, ear training, or general lack of knowledge. I am always happy to work on these things in a patient but challenging manner. While improvement is the goal, I know first hand that failure is an important and essential part of the learning process.

Chris is a New York City-based multi-instrumentalist. A passionate composer and improviser, he has performed as a leader and sideman throughout New York, Boston, Colorado and abroad over the past 15 years. Chris attended the Manhattan School of Music (MM ‘25) and the New England Conservatory of Music (BM ‘23). He has taught privately and within public schools over the past eight years, and loves to help students cultivate their passion for music and instrumental performance. Students can choose to focus entirely on their instrument (saxophone, clarinet, and flute), or can specifically study improvisation, jazz composition, music theory, and ear training. While primarily a jazz musician, Chris is trained in a wide variety of musics including classical, which he diligently studied on the clarinet; popular music and R&B; and world musics, including Brazilian (Choro/Bossa/Samba), Latin-American (Bomba/Timba/Rumba), and West-African styles (Agbekor/Gahu). Some of Chris's many accomplishments include being recognized as a YoungArts Jazz Performance winner for four years in a row; performing abroad in Europe with the inaugural NYO Jazz Band, receiving a Community Performances and Partnerships Ensemble Fellowship at New England Conservatory, and also receiving the George Whitefield Chadwick Medal of musical and academic performance. Chris emphasizes a teaching approach that prioritizes connecting with the student and engaging them in what they’re specifically interested in, while also covering the fundamentals essential to developing ones skills on their instrument or in their field of study. He offers lessons in person, primarily at students's personal residences, and also online via Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime (although in person is highly recommended).

Do you want to learn how to play saxophone or piano? How to improvise or compose? Or maybe you want to understand better the music theory? This is your place. We will start from wherever your level is and we will work together towards your objectives. It would be a pleasure to help you! :)

I am a multi-instrumentalist and composer who just finished a Master's degree in Jazz Saxophone at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. I have experience playing in a variety of ensembles, ranging from classical orchestras to jazz big bands. With these lessons, you will learn not only the technique of the instrument, but also how to play any genre you like. You will also learn how to improvise within a style if you wish. The lessons are fully adaptable to each student. I also offer jazz theory and jazz composition lessons.

I offer personalized saxophone lessons for beginners and intermediate students who want to develop their technique, musicality and confidence on the instrument. I am a professionally trained saxophonist and music educator with 8+ years of combined experience in music performance and education. I hold a Junior Specialist's Degree in Music with professional qualifications as an Artist and Art School Teacher specializing in orchestral wind and percussion instruments. My lessons can cover: • Saxophone technique and tone production • Breathing, articulation and intonation • Scales, exercises and technical development • Rhythm, phrasing and musical expression • Sight reading and repertoire • Music theory and harmony • Ear training • Improvisation • Performance preparation • Musical interpretation I adapt each lesson to the student's level, goals and progress. Rather than following the same program for everyone, I select appropriate exercises, repertoire and learning activities based on the student's individual needs. Lessons combine practical playing with clear explanations of the musical concepts behind what we are doing. I also provide structured feedback to help students understand what they can improve and how to work on it. Online lessons are available via webcam. Whether you are starting saxophone from scratch, returning to the instrument, preparing repertoire or looking to improve your technique and musicianship, we can build a structured learning plan around your goals.

Private saxophone lessons in Copenhagen with professional saxophonist and experienced teacher Mark Hurrell. Lessons are individually tailored to your musical interests, experience and goals. Whether you’re picking up the saxophone for the first time, returning after a break, or an advanced player looking to develop your playing further, we’ll create a clear and enjoyable path for your progress. Lessons can cover jazz, pop, improvisation, sound, technique, reading, ear training, repertoire and performance, with an emphasis on making music from the very beginning. I have taught students from 5 to 85 years old, from complete beginners through to musicians preparing for conservatoire study and professional careers. I hold a Master’s degree in Music Performance and work professionally as a saxophonist, performing and recording internationally across a wide range of musical styles. Lessons take place in my dedicated music studio in Valby, Copenhagen, with online lessons also available. Don’t have a saxophone yet? Instruments are available to rent, so you can get started without buying one straight away. Most importantly, lessons should be something you look forward to. We’ll take your musical development seriously while keeping the atmosphere relaxed, encouraging and fun.