Nicolas Hensal

Hi! My name is Nicolas Hensal, and I am a third-year student at Berklee College of Music studying Jazz Performance, graduating in 2028. I began playing saxophone at age 9 and have been immersed in music ever since. In addition to saxophone, I also play bass and drums, giving me a broad understanding of melody, harmony, rhythm, and ensemble playing.

My primary focus is jazz, but I have experience playing and studying a wide variety of styles, including jazz fusion, rock, R&B, soul, and blues. At Berklee, I have performed in Small Jazz Ensemble and Miles Electric Ensemble while continuing to develop my skills in improvisation, jazz theory, ear training, and performance.

Outside of Berklee, I have been an active gigging musician in the DC/DMV area since 2024. I have performed at venues including Blues Alley, The Hamilton, and The Pie Shop, as well as events such as Fête de la Musica in Georgetown. I have also performed on shows opening for the U.S. Army Band and The Hamilton's Cellar Door tribute. I have studied with bassist Michael Bowie, saxophonist Peter Frazie, and Frank Tiberi.

I have also received recognition as a 3-time WorldStrides Jazz Festival Best Soloist and have received a merit-based scholarship. My goal as a teacher is to take everything I have learned through performing, studying, and working with other musicians and make it accessible and useful for my students

I try to teach the way I would have wanted to be taught when I was younger: by giving students useful guidance while allowing them to develop their own musical identity. I don't believe there is one correct way to teach every student. Everyone learns differently, so I adjust my approach based on the student's age, experience, interests, and goals.

I like to give students practical advice and introduce new musical ideas, but I also want them to understand how those ideas can fit into the music they actually enjoy playing. Rather than simply telling a student what to do, I encourage them to experiment, listen, and figure out how they can apply new concepts to their own playing.

For beginners, I focus on building a strong foundation in technique, rhythm, tone, reading music, and learning songs. For more experienced students, I can work on improvisation, jazz vocabulary, ear training, theory, phrasing, technique, repertoire, and developing a personal sound. I can also help students prepare for performances, auditions, school ensembles, or other musical goals.

I have experience teaching students of a wide range of ages and skill levels through Just Rock Enterprises in the DC area, where I have taught saxophone, bass, and drums. My goal is for students to leave each lesson with something practical to work on, a better understanding of their instrument, and more confidence in their ability to make music.