Jesse Ma
About
Jesse Ma (he/him) is a Canadian classical and contemporary saxophonist and educator. He recently completed an Honours Bachelor of Music Performance in classical saxophone from the University of Toronto where he studied under Dr. Wallace Halladay.
During his studies he was named a winner of the 2019 University of Toronto WINDS Concerto Competition and also a winner of the 2021 University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra Competition.
Jesse first began playing the saxophone in the seventh grade and has now been playing for 10 years. He has been a teacher for the past 3 years.
I believe in a person-first methodology for my teaching. One of the great advantages of private music lessons is the ability to work individually with each student in determining their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and aspirations. I seek to find the best methods that will work for each individual and what they want to achieve in their lives even beyond music.
As a teacher, I still view myself as a student continuing to grow. My playing and pedagogy draws from an international pool of influences from countries including Canada, America, France, and Japan. I have been privileged to have taken lessons and masterclasses from world-renowned saxophone professors including: Steven Banks, Vincent David, Claude Delangle, Mariano Garcia, Daniel Gauthier, Allen Harrington, Vincent Lê Quang, Dr. Jeffrey Leung, Dr. Timothy McAllister, Joonatan Rautiola, Yasuto Tanaka, and Christian Wirth.
If you are looking for improvement in school, band class, audition preparation, examination preparation, or just casual playing, I can provide lessons and curriculums that will help you achieve your goals. I hope that through the lessons I have learned in my life that I can create a unique teaching experience for you.
Honours Bachelor of Music Performance in Classical Saxophone from the University of Toronto.
Regional Arts Certificate in Music (saxophone major) from Cawthra Park Secondary School.
Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 Saxophone Certificate.
Study and exercise books will vary depending on the level of the student, however, this is not a requirement for lessons. Feel free to bring your own books or music if you desire. All you need to begins lessons with me is a saxophone and a willingness to learn.