Ray Harren
About
I have studied music since the earliest age I can remember, beginning with piano lessons and transitioning into a now 15 year background of saxophone playing, supplemented by years of singing and guitar as well. I have played in jazz bands and combos since I was 13 years old and I have taken hundreds of improvised solos in live performances. I am well versed in the musical theory of jazz and contemporary music. I am also inspired by and willing to teach about many genres beyond jazz, particularly pop, rock, metal, blues and r and b. I am a lifelong learner and have recently been using my knowledge gained from my saxophone career to bring my guitar playing up to speed!
Teaching Style
Among other things I value time, tone, and technique development, individuality of expression, ear training, and theory comprehension. I prefer to focus on song learning supplemented by exercises and improvisation based on individual goals and needs. I am a student focused teacher who's main goal is to find out what the student really wants to learn and guide them in that direction efficiently while creating a passion for the process.
Curriculum
Classes with me will never require the student to purchase anything they do not want to, however at certain phases of development I certainly have text recommendations, as well as foundational texts that all students should own. For example, a student of jazz without a copy of The Real Book could be considered a travesty, while advanced students may benefit from more specialized repertoire. A lesson will follow this process:
1. Assess the student's level/progress, with the heaviest investment of course occurring in the first lesson.
2. Check in on the student's goals and their satisfaction with their direction
3. Determine appropriate areas of study and provide the student with a variety to choose from so that I can limit the prescription of less preferred practice methods/songs.
4. Demonstrate concepts in a collaborative process to ensure understanding and assign practice based on the student's available time, level, and goals.
Credentials & Affiliations
20+ years of music playing including concert bands, big bands, combos, church, paid gigs, jam sessions, parties, and more.
15+ years of saxophone playing and study, from baritone to soprano with the majority of time devoted to tenor saxophone. The primary genre played being jazz, which of course is really a conglomerate of many genres from Latin to blues to bebop, rock and more. Received direct instruction from Dr. Bruce Thornton for four years, as well as a variety of teachers before college.
10+ years of guitar playing, including electric, acoustic, and classical guitar. Self-taught.
10+ years of singing (Tenor voice type) primarily in the genres of pop, metal, rock, and alternative supported by voice lessons from classically trained vocalists.