Online Lessons in Saxophone, Jazz Improvisation, and Harmony
I’m excited to offer online private lessons from my home studio in Salem, MA. With over 25 years of teaching experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every lesson. Currently, I serve on the faculty at both Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, where I teach saxophone, harmony, improvisation, and ensembles.
For the past six years, my online studio has connected me with students across the globe—including the USA, Canada, Mexico, China, Chile, Thailand, Australia, Quatar, the EU, Japan, and beyond. It has been incredibly rewarding to help musicians of all levels build their skills, deepen their understanding, and achieve their personal goals.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technique, expand your improvisational vocabulary, or take your playing to the next level, I look forward to guiding you on your musical journey.
Saxophone Performance
With over 25 years of teaching experience, I work with students of all levels to unlock their full potential on the saxophone. Lessons are tailored to each player’s goals and can cover:
Core fundamentals: sound production, technique, articulation, overtones, scales, patterns, overtones, etc.
Advanced techniques: growling, flutter tonguing, altissimo , false fingerings,
Musicianship skills: sight-reading, ear training, phrasing
Stylistic versatility: jazz, classical, blues, jump blues, rock, R&B, funk, soul, and pop
In addition to saxophone performance, I specialize in improvisation, guiding not only saxophonists but also students on other instruments in developing their creative voice.
My goal is to help every student find their unique sound, strengthen their technique, and gain the confidence to perform and create at a higher level.
Improvisation
I specialize in helping musicians take their improvisation to the next level. Lessons cover a wide range of approaches, including:
Foundational skills: transcribing, vocabulary development, guide tone soloing, tune memorization
Modern concepts: modal soloing, approach note techniques, intervallic soloing, triad pairs, pentatonics, tone cells
Advanced harmony: Coltrane substitutions, tritone substitution, altered and diminished scales
Creative tools: motif development, composition techniques, and expanding personal style
Improvisation lessons are open to students of saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, piano, guitar, and more.
Please note: Improvisation students should already be at an intermediate level on their instrument.
My goal is to give you the tools to improvise with confidence, creativity, and a voice that’s uniquely your own.
Harmony
A strong understanding of harmony is the key to truly seeing the big picture in music. Whether you’re a professional or amateur musician, a college student, or a high school student preparing for music school, I can help you deepen your knowledge and apply it directly to your playing.
I teach all levels of harmony, from the basics to advanced concepts, and I specialize in preparing graduating seniors for college entrance exams. Lessons can be tailored to your specific goals and may include:
Fundamentals: intervals, triads, key signatures, reading treble & bass clef
Intermediate concepts: seventh chords, diatonic harmony, chord inversions, secondary dominants, minor key harmony
Advanced topics: modal interchange, modal harmony, tritone substitutions, passing and auxiliary diminished chords, constant structures, modulation, and more
Whether your goal is to strengthen your theoretical foundation, expand your harmonic vocabulary, or gain a competitive edge in auditions and exams, I’ll work with you step-by-step to ensure you succeed.
District & All-State Preparation
For many years, my students have consistently earned top chairs in both jazz and classical District and All-State ensembles. Participation in these groups not only provides invaluable performance experience, but also strengthens college applications—helping students gain acceptance to top music schools and even Ivy League universities seeking well-rounded candidates.
College Audition Coaching
I have guided many students through the competitive college audition process, preparing them for admission into some of the most prestigious music schools, including:
Juilliard
Manhattan School of Music
Berklee College of Music
The New School
Oberlin Conservatory
University of Miami (Frost School of Music)
Eastman School of Music
…and many more
My approach combines technical preparation, repertoire coaching, and audition strategy, giving students the skills and confidence they need to perform at their absolute best.
STUDIO IS CURRENTLY FULL
Please send an email to put your name on my waiting list for lessons. I will likely have some availability for new students in January
Email me at miketuckerinquiries@gmail.com for waiting list.
Package of four 1 hour weekly lessons for $380 ($95 per lesson)
Package of 4 1 hour every other week Lessons $440 ($110 per lessons)
One Hour Lesson $125. ( If you take 1 one hour lesson and decide to continue the $110 can be put towards a package)
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Before Your First Lesson
My lessons are taught over Zoom, so please ensure you have a Zoom account and have tested your microphone and camera ahead of our first lesson. Once our lessons are booked, I will send you an email with a link to our lesson. Make sure you have the following:
1. A computer or laptop
2. Wired Headphones (Bluetooth work but are not ideal)
A separate device to play backing tracks
A blue tooth speaker or any other type of speaker that is loud enough for you to hear while you are playing.
If you are studying saxophone or improvisation, you should download the iReal Book so you have easy access to play along with tracks. If you are studying harmony or any other topic, I will reach out to you directly with my recommended materials.