About
David Baker classical saxophonist and music educator based in New York City. He holds a master's degree in saxophone performance from San Jose State University, and is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He is a current active member of the Zelos Quartet, an award winning saxophone quartet based in the San Francisco bay area. David has been teaching private saxophone lessons since 2020 in addition to woodwind coaching at various schools in his community.
As an educator, David believes in a well rounded approach to teaching the saxophone. Including both technical proficiency and musicality is very important in mastering an instrument. Many teachers and institutions place most of the focus on the technique aspect of the instrument, and while this is important, it is David's belief that we must also teach our students how to create music from the notes on the page. Whether this be the performance practice of early baroque or the world of possibilities in romantic music, creating meaningful and beautiful music is the endgame. In our lessons we will work towards mastering the technique of the instrument while also learning to be informed music makers.
Doctor of Music Arts, Manhattan School of Music 2022-Present Master of Music, San Jose State University 2020-2022 Bachelor of Music, San Jose State University 2016-2020
Recommended student text include (but are not limited to):
40 progressive melodies by Apollon Barrett
48 famous studies for saxophone by W. Ferling
Berbiguier 18 exercise or etudes
Top Tones by Sigurd Rascher
Chops by Dan Graser