Music Instruction
Alto and Tenor Saxophone
Zan has played saxophone for over 50 years and shares his experience and knowledge in lessons designed to help students of any ability play the horn better, inviting joy into one's life. He focuses on developing a good, warm sound, proper hand technique, proper use of the breath, and essential reading skills. Ultimately, the goal is to help the student learn how to teach herself/himself. Written musical material employed ranges from classical exercises to pop songs through the ages and gems from the jazz repertoire.
Improvisation
Zan has been studying and practicing jazz improvisation since the mid-1960s and has experience soloing with scores of top musicians (see bio). His thrust as an educator is to determine what the student is trying to achieve in her/his improvisations and to help the student achieve those goals. Transcribing classic instrumental solos from recordings, playing previously transcribed solos out of books, and scatting one’s own ideas and incorporating those into one’s solos are but three of the methods Zan employs to help further a musician’s soloing capability.
Vocals and Scat Singing
Zan has been singing on stage since he was in elementary school and has been scatting since the early 1960s. He can help a singer with lyric interpretations, rhythmic feel, and presentation ideas. As a scat coach, his teaching method is based around an instrumentalist’s point of view, working with students to develop both repertoire and vocabulary by working with instrumental as well as vocal recordings.
Introduction to Jazz
One of the main reasons that jazz is out of the mainstream and not that well understood is that potential listeners, who might deeply appreciate it given the opportunity, are not exposed to it in an informative, friendly way by someone with a serious passion. Zan, who is such a person, offers classes ranging from single to 4-time sessions that introduce listeners, via classic recordings, to the core principles of music, and jazz: rhythm, melody, and harmony. By exploring timeless recordings, sometimes one track bit by bit, novice listeners gain a deeper understanding of what jazz is all about, and why devotees feel it has such lasting appeal. The goal is for listeners to leave the class with a new-found appreciation of a great art form that will bring joy and richness into their lives.
Playing Music/Basic Musicianship
This class is for those who are curious about playing music, what it might bring into their lives, what kind of work it entails, what kind of positive — and negative — results you will encounter. It is Zan’s feeling that playing music is a deeply moving, even healing experience that almost anyone can take part in. All it takes is interest, energy, and time — though even a few minutes a day can provide a benefit. Here, we explore the values of music, the kind of skills required to play, how to establish a practice regimen, how to improve, and more. Interested students can play any instrument, or simply want to play one.
For inquiries regarding any of the above classes or subjects, please contact Zan.
