Learn to play the saxophone in an open and creative way, with an emphasis on improvisation.

• all ages and levels, beginner to conservatory
• learn to play with and without sheet music
• train your inner ear and work on a personal style
• work on technique and musicality with fun improvisation games and exercises
• focus on styles you like: jazz, klezmer, African, Caribbean, classical, popular, avant-garde
• several packages, competitive rates

Email me at post@<removethis>jorritdijkstra.com for more information on private lessons in the Boston area. I am currently teaching at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the Rivers Music School in Weston, at the Community Music Center of Boston.

workshops

I also teach workshops, ensembles and classes focusing on various musical areas.

teaching experience

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, lecturer, 2004-present
• Teach Introduction to Music Technology, required course for music majors and minors
• Developed syllabi for 2 semesters.
• Upgrade Midi Lab with new computers and software

Rivers Music School, Weston, MA, Faculty, 2002-present
Community Music Center of Boston, Boston, MA, 2002-present
• Teach individual saxophone lessons, theory courses, and ensembles to students age 8-18
• Develop students’ technique and musical foundation through the study of jazz, world music, and classical styles
• Developed 12-level curriculum for saxophone lessons.

Arnhem Conservatory, Netherlands, Faculty, 1995-2001
• Teach individual saxophone lessons to jazz and improvisation majors and minors
• Lead improvisation ensembles, focusing on freer forms of improvisation
• Develop curriculum for monthly saxophone workshops and saxophone technique requirements
• Emphasize creative practicing concepts to stimulate personal styles of improvising and composing
• Oversaw Bachelor’s degree graduations of several students with excellent grades

New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA, Ensemble Instructor, 1998-1999
• Led improvisation ensemble playing music by Dutch composers Misha Mengelberg and Guus Janssen

DJAM Jazz School, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Faculty, 1990-2001
• Taught individual saxophone lessons to semi-professional jazz and improvisation students
• Successfully prepared students for entry at various conservatories in the Netherlands and Germany

Private Saxophone Instructor, Netherlands, USA, 1985-present
• Teach ages 15-70, beginner to advanced levels and preparation for entry at conservatory, 1985-present
• Taught ages 10-45 at Dutch community music schools, 1987-1992
• Develop students’ musical foundation through the study of jazz, world music, and classical styles

Workshops and Master Classes
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, Saxophone and Electronics, master class, 2001
• Presented two-hour workshop for students in Music Synthesis class
• Focused on the use of saxophone and live electronics, and on modular synthesis
MediaMatic Institute, Netherlands, Players and Rules in Improvisation and Composition, lecture, 2001
• Gave lecture for workshop participants working in new media at a new media research institute
• Focused on game structures, rules and freedom in improvisation, including historic development
SWING Foundation, Netherlands, Improvising on Irish & Scottish Folk Music, weekend workshop, 2001
• Developed course and curriculum, taught class of 8 participants with mixed instrumentation
• Focused on melodic and rhythmic aspects, history, and traditional forms
Muziekpakhuis Amsterdam, Rhythm and Timing for Horn Players, weekend workshops, 2000 and 2001
• Organized and developed courses and curricula, taught classes of 8-10 brass and woodwind players
• Focused on rhythmic concepts, timing, phrasing, and playing grooves
Vancouver Jazz Festival, Vancouver, Canada, Saxophone and Electronics, master class, 2000
• Presented two-hour workshop for students and general audience
• Focused on use of saxophone and live electronics in solo and ensemble playing
SWING Foundation, Netherlands, Improvisation Ensemble, weekend workshop, 1996
• Developed course and curriculum, taught class of 16 participants with mixed instrumentation
• Focused on African and jazz styles, basic theory, and improvisation techniques
University of Arizona, Tempe, AZ, European Improvisation Forms, master class, 1995
• Led master class for saxophone students on European improvisation forms

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