Dan Elbert

Introduction: As an internationally touring musician and music educator, I have worked with hundreds of students in one-on-one lessons, educational workshops, and outreach concerts around the world. No matter your age, experience, or goals, I would love to help you become a better musician. My approach to teaching is simple. I believe every student has a lens through which music feels exciting and natural. My job as a teacher is to help you discover it. For beginners, you might call this developing an interest or passion for music. Whether you're young or old, this is one of my favorite challenges as a teacher. For advanced players, it may be more about finding your voice, or dealing with issues of ego, purpose, technique, etc. Having spent years studying with some of the best musicians in the world (Joe Lovano, Danilo Perez, John Patittucci, Kenny Werner, George Garzone, and others), I combine lessons from the masters with my own approach to help you grow. About me: I am a saxophonist, composer, teacher, and writer based in Brooklyn. I have been fortunate to perform all over the world, including recent tours in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Panama, and Costa Rica; and have shared the stage with many great artists, including Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, Ralph Thomas (Sun Ra Arkestra, Quincy Jones), Benjamin Koen (David Murray, Cecil Taylor), Yessaï Karapetian, Opor Red, R&B singer Allen Stone, and singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer. I also have an extensive background in music education, having taught privately for years, and serving as the Performing Arts Director at a prestigious international school, where I built the concert band program from scratch. I hold a M.M. in Contemporary Performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston, where I was fortunate to study with Joe Lovano, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, and others on a full scholarship. I also have an undergraduate diploma from Berklee, and a B.S. in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.