Mercedes S. TakeLessons Instructor music, jazz saxophone, saxophone, clarinet, improvisation, reading notation, theory, rhythm Fulcher Ave., North Hollywood, CA

Happy Holidays!

Mercedes was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. She began playing alto saxophone at the age of nine, under jazz master Dr. Jackie McLean. She was originally classically trained and played in orchestras and big bands but began attending classes at the Artist Collective, which was developed by McLean himself. She continued to play throughout college, attending the University of Hartford’s Hartt school of Music in the jazz program at the Jackie McLean Institute. She earned her B.A. from the university in 2005. Mercedes then went on to attend the California Institute of the Arts Herb Albert school of Music, studying under Paul Novaros and Vinny Golia, earning her Master’s Degree in 2008.
 
Her primary style is bebop, however she also has a strong history in big band, swing, experimental, jazz, blues, and classical.

I will never force someone to learn something they don’t want to learn, however there are some fundamental skills that, as a musician, you need to know.  Students need to learn scales or be prepared to learn them. Improvisation, rhythm changes, and theory are all fundamental.

Students will be asked to choose the music they want to play, and bring it to their lessons. Bring in whatever you like, what interests you. We want to have fun while we’re learning, and the music you are learning should reflect your interest and styles.

Practice, practice, practice. A lot of people don’t like repetition. I don’t like it. But it’s necessary for learning, and if you pick the kind of music you want to play, then it will be fun.

jazz, bebop, classical, indie, etc.

Hartford Public High - diploma - 1997-2000
University of Hartford Hartt School of Music - African-American Studies - 2000-2005
California Institute of the Arts, The Herb Albert School of Music - Jazz Performance - 2005-2008

music, jazz saxophone, saxophone, clarinet, improvisation, reading notation, theory,
rhythm