Saxophone and Improvisation Lessons with Kasey Knudsen - Oakland, California

Michael S.

Kasey is an awesome teacher! I first met her when she was instructing a small ensemble class at the Berkeley Jazzschool. She has a really useful approach to teaching in that context: instead of just selecting some songs and running rehearsals, she'll put together lessons and exercises based on the course material. In addition to gaining some group playing experience, her small ensemble players gain some technical skills like transcribing, understanding chord changes, transposing, etc. Our small ensemble class liked working with Kasey so much that we petitioned the Jazzschool to add a class section so we could keep working with her! Our charter ensemble has been working together since January of 2023.

Additionally, I've taken a handful of saxophone lessons with Kasey. I've been playing the saxophone pretty consistently for a long time, so what I need from a mentor is a reality check on what my strong points are, what skills I need to develop, and material to work on to develop those skills. Kasey has definitely done all of this for me -- she has a great ear for a player's strengths and weaknesses, and has a deep knowledge of songs, recordings, techniques and practice materials. Our lessons have been highly impactful both on my playing and my practice approach!

Kasey is also a very approachable, friendly and fun person to work with. She has a great attitude and is quick with a joke and a word of encouragement! I'm excited to keep learning from Kasey and would encourage anyone interested in Jazz, Saxophone or Improvisation to consider working with her.

Frances F.

Kasey is an AMAZING player and superfine teacher! I can easily say she’s one of the finest instructors I’ve had for any subject. Studying jazz with her has been quite a journey for me; my goal is to play smart, expressive improvisations and she’s taking me there. I’m a professional, classically-trained player on an unconventional wind instrument; Kasey has taken me from ground zero in jazz to feeling comfy and capable as a developing jazz improviser. In the process, my understanding of theory and musicianship has increased exponentially. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about focusing mentally when playing and improvising, and am a better and more confident musician overall. I recommend her highly as a superb jazz teacher, with a quiet, kind, and gentle manner.

David S.

I don't typically leave online reviews but I have to say I *highly* recommend Kasey as a teacher - one of the best I've worked with. I've been in several of her jazz ensemble classes and have seen her work with students of all levels and backgrounds. Kasey is the rare teacher that has both the playing/theory chops and the interpersonal skills to really engage and relate to what the student needs in the moment - enough to challenge but not overwhelm. I've seen her be super encouraging and supportive with someone just learning to improvise, while raising the bar for more experienced musicians at the same time. Kasey is simply a great teacher.

Jeff B.

I have been fortunate to have had Kasey as my Sax teacher for over two years. I had just picked up the saxophone and was interested in learning Jazz and ultimately improvisation. She has been an excellent teacher! She is patient, mixes key exercises with fun melodies and always has a positive attitude. I strongly recommend Kasey for anyone learning the Sax and interested in jazz improvisation.

Chris V.

I’ve benefited from Kasey’s instruction when attending a Women’s Jazz Camp, and two beginning Jazz ensembles at the California Jazz Conservatory. Kasey is an exceptionally, talented jazz educator who combines the ability to effectively teach various aspects of Jazz (theory, rhythm, Jazz song forms and language, etc.) at different levels to accommodate a range of abilities - while also creating a fun, encouraging and supportive environment. Participating in Kasey’s classes has greatly improved my understanding of Jazz and my ability to improvise within an ensemble.

Max M.

I’ve been taking saxophone lessons and workshops from Kasey for over 2 years now. She’s one of the best teachers I’ve worked with in all my years of playing! She’s great at all levels and can break down complex jazz concepts into easy to understand ideas. If you’re a new student or if you’re a seasoned jazz musician you can learn a tremendous amount from Kasey!

C M.

Best teacher ever! Kasey's performance excellence and organization stand above other teachers. Kasey has all of the inspiring qualities you would want in a teacher: patience, encouragement, a sense of humor, and belief in you. I've never been discouraged from asking a question and trying something new, or felt silly as an amateur pursuing this crazy goal of being good at playing the saxophone. Kasey is usually better prepared than _me_ for our lessons, is always on time, communicates quickly, has a calendar system that makes scheduling effortless, and sends me supplementary materials and videos after many of our lessons. Everyone I've met who knows Kasey is full of praise, and I am super lucky to have Kasey as my teacher!

Bio C.

My first experience in a jazz ensemble was with Kasey, at the CA Jazz Conservatory. I was extremely lucky to have such a capable, flexible and organized teacher! I'm a pianist and got a ton out of my class with her, in which I learned the roles of the rhythm section and how to get on the same page with other musicians. Really grateful to have had her as an instructor - I might re-take her class at some point as she's the best!