I enjoy teaching students of any skill level. I primarily teach saxophone technique, improvisation, and jazz music, but also offer information about theory, reading music, and composition. I offer 60-minutes for $60, 45-minutes for $45, and 30-minutes for $30. I also like to schedule a (free) 15-minute phone/zoom call to meet, talk, and discuss our goals in advance of a first lesson.
I teach online, or in-person in the St. Clair West area of Toronto. If you are interested, or have any questions, please be in touch via the contact form below.
My Methodology
I genuinely enjoy and am excited teaching music, with special interest in the saxophone (embouchure, technique, hand position, posture, etc) and jazz music (improvisation, form, swing-feel, melody, etc). As a lifelong student of these topics, my teaching is constantly evolving alongside my musicianship.
In lessons I place particular value on the “how” and “why”, hoping to present a complete picture of what we’re working on, why I think it’s important, and how it will help us reach our goals. I strive to structure my teaching around individual students’ needs, with the goal of generating and sharing in the enjoyment, growth, and satisfaction of learning music.
My Experience
I am a 2018 graduate of The University of Toronto’s jazz program. I have five years of private teaching experience, and have presented workshops in high schools and universities across Canada. My musicianship incorporates the study of jazz and classical technique, improvisation, music theory, and composition.
I have studied the saxophone extensively, and am currently a student of Wallace Halladay, area head of woodwinds at the University of Toronto. I am a former student of Dave Liebman, Mike Murley, John Johnson, Kelly Jefferson, Kirk MacDonald, and many more. I have studied composition and arranging with Andrew Downing, Terry Promane, John Macleod, Phil Nimmons, and David Braid, and am currently studying classical composition with Sasha Rapoport, and jazz/contemporary composition with John Hollenbeck. Please see my C.V for more information.
Testimonials:
“Harrison has provided outstanding education, insight and pearls of musical wisdom over the two tears I have taken him on as my private teacher. He is patient and understanding yet continually challenges me to be a better musician. Above all, Harrison is a very positive person with a love for music and teaching. Harrison has inspired me to the point that I enrolled in a fulltime music program in college. I continue to have twice weekly lessons with Harrison as he guides me through my journey in music.” -Irving, student for 2+ years
“At the age of 60, I had been playing for about 3 years, when I decided I wanted to improve playing Jazz music and aimed to be able to get a basic capacity to improvise on Jazz from the 1940’s to 1960’s. Over the past 2 years Harrison helped me greatly on all aspects of playing: embouchure, breathing, understanding of chord theory and structure, understanding and playing of scales, and listening to rhythm. I have achieved my initial basic objective, and continue to advance. Harrison is very knowledgeable, teaches in a very friendly, relaxed and interactive manner, and uses a helpful mixture of theory, exercises and practice songs. I should also mention that our lessons are on-line because we live more than 300 km apart, but this works well for me.” -Werner, student for 2+ years
“Harrison is an amazing saxophone teacher who delivers exceptional, fun lessons that focus on my desired growth as a saxophone player. I believe I’ve learned at a greater pace with his attention to detail and commitment to engaging, practical lessons. From complete novice to seasoned player, I believe Harrison can amplify your sax skills and have fun whilst doing so.” -Kamil, student for 2+ years
“Harrison is a knowledgeable, insightful, patient, and kind music teacher and very impressive musician. His understanding of music is thorough and deep. His teaching style is informal, casual, and enjoyable. Since I have been studying with Harrison, I feel I am well underway to becoming a very well rounded and capable musician.” -ZiCheng, student for 1+ years
“Harrison was an incredible teacher who was willing to throw standardized curriculum out the window and cater lessons to my interest and passions. He kept things fun, while supporting my improvement in all the main areas of sax. You can tell every lesson is unique and Harrison’s enthusiasm for his own playing and learning is always present.” -Marshal, student for 1+ years
“I love learning different techniques from Harrison which I would not have been able to just by watching online videos. Also, lessons are structured in a way that one can learn at their own pace, which makes playing sax much more enjoyable.” Wayne, student for 6+ months
Interested? Send me an email:
Harrison Argatoff 