Private lessons
MY APPROACH TO MUSIC
Since beginning my teaching career in 2006, I have had the privilege of teaching well over a thousand students through private lessons, classroom instruction, high school coaching, collegiate teaching, and master classes. My approach to education has been shaped by over 20 years of experience as both a professional musician and educator, working with students in one-on-one lessons, classrooms, small group settings, ensembles, and collegiate instruction.
I teach saxophone, flute, and clarinet, with a specialty in saxophone performance and improvisation. Whether a student is discovering music for the first time, preparing for honor groups or college auditions, pursuing music professionally, or simply learning for personal enjoyment, my goal is to help each student develop the skills, confidence, and musical understanding necessary to reach their individual goals.
I believe progression on any instrument is achieved best through repetitive discipline. Consistent practice, thoughtful repetition, and a strong foundation of fundamentals allow students to develop not only technical ability, but also independence, confidence, and artistry.
This approach has helped my students earn placement in regional honor bands (classical and jazz) across multiple school districts, gain acceptance into competitive programs such as the Stanford Jazz Workshop and the Colburn School, and pursue music degrees with significant scholarships at institutions including Berklee College of Music, the University of North Texas (UNT), USC, CalArts, and CSUN.
I am passionate about education and teach students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to professional musicians. In addition to private lessons, I offer master classes, coaching, and mentorship both in person and remotely.
As an active performer, recording artist, and college educator, I strive to bring real-world musical experience into every lesson. Students learn not only how to play their instrument, but how to think like musicians—developing the skills necessary for performance, collaboration, auditions, and lifelong musical growth.
The great flutist Julius Baker once said that every great musician should be studying with someone, performing in a large ensemble, performing in a small ensemble, and teaching someone themselves.
After a student's own motivation, a dedicated private teacher is one of the most important influences in a musician's development.
LEARNING PEDAGOGY
My teaching philosophy is consistent across all ages: establish a strong foundation, develop independence, and guide each student toward becoming a confident, self-sufficient musician.
While I typically recommend beginning around fifth grade (approximately age 10), I have successfully worked with students of all ages and levels, including younger beginners, adult learners, collegiate musicians, and professional performers.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
For younger students, lessons focus on:
Sound production and tone quality
Instrument technique and fundamentals
Scales and basic music theory
Rhythm and musical independence
Sight-reading skills
Preparation for school performances and auditions
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
As students progress, lessons expand to include:
Advanced tone development and technical exercises
Expanded scale and theory concepts
Increased rhythmic independence
High school-level sight-reading and performance skills
Introduction to jazz phrasing, theory, and improvisation when appropriate
Continued audition preparation
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
At the high school level, students refine their individual musicianship through:
Understanding the differences between classical and jazz performance styles
Advanced improvisation concepts
Solo transcription and analysis
College audition preparation
Instrument, mouthpiece, and equipment consultations
Reed selection and maintenance
Guidance on navigating the professional music world and pursuing music as a career
OLDER STUDENTS
For adult students, lessons begin with a conversation about musical background, experience, and personal goals. Every adult brings a unique set of strengths, challenges, and motivations, and no two learning paths are exactly alike.
Unlike younger students who may be preparing for auditions, college, or professional careers, adult learners often have different priorities and are balancing music alongside careers, families, and other commitments. As we age, factors such as available practice time and the way we learn naturally change, so lessons are paced and tailored accordingly. My goal is to help each student make the most of where they are today while continuing to grow as a musician.
how to Contact me
If you are interested in lessons, please email me at ianlevo@gmail.com.
student showcase
The videos below highlight the musical progression of some of my current (and former) students.