Saxophone Lessons
with Boston Woodwind Academy
Make learning to play the saxophone fun and rewarding with Boston Woodwind Academy! From foundational theory and technique to perfecting your classical repertoire or jazz improvisation skills, we bring a focused approach fueled by inspiration to help students surpass their own expectations. Saxophone lessons are catered to every student's abilities and interests, from absolute beginners to professional working saxophonists. Learn more about taking private saxophone lessons with us in the Greater Boston area, the North Shore, and online below.
Get conservatory-level saxophone training without a high-pressure conservatory environment.
At Boston Woodwind Academy, we believe in the power of bringing fun and dedication together to empower musicians of all ages and ability levels to rise to their potential! Saxophone students work to build an unshakeable foundation of technique and theory upon which to build the confidence to find their voice as an artist and 'break the rules'. We provide conservatory-level instruction without conservatory-level pretentiousness, aiming to make learning an instrument a rewarding experience that also gives students broader historical and cultural context for what they're playing.
Whether you're a total beginner who's never touched the saxophone before, or a seasoned professional looking to refine your technique, an adult who used to play and wants to revisit the joy of music, or a student looking to nail a big audition for an orchestra, music school, or other high-stakes gig, we can help you establish goals, and pave a clear way to help you reach them, and have fun in the process! Lessons on all types of saxophones available.
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All private saxophone lessons are taught by Boston woodwind artist, composer, and educator Joe LaRocca in our studios in Cambridge, MA, Gloucester, MA, and online.​​​​
Joe LaRocca | Woodwind Artist
"I cannot emphasize enough the notion that the desire to learn is most important in music. A student cannot be forced to become a great musician, it first has to come from the heart. The core of my teaching style centers around that. I try to impart my passion for music to the student so as to motivate them into developing a natural curiosity about the mastery of the craft as well as artistry."
About Your Saxophone Teacher
Joe LaRocca - Boston Woodwind Artist
Joe brings enthusiasm, patience, and a sense of humor to his work with students, helping establish comfort in the studio that leads to better learning and playing.
Accomplished performer, composer, and educator Joe LaRocca brings over a decade of professional experience to his mentorship with students. Joe has performed as a wind doubler onstage and in the pit for award-winning shows at The Huntington Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Ogunquit Playhouse, among others. He has toured with the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and was the recipient of the coveted Post-Graduate Artist Diploma at Longy School of Music in Cambridge. Joe has performed in orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz groups, and has also had his own compositions performed in Greater Boston venues!
About Boston Woodwind Academy
Instruments we teach
Private lessons are available for the following instruments:
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Bass Clarinet
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Recorder
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Baritone sax
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Other world and period woodwinds
Our students
We provide private woodwind lessons, audition preparation, and music mentorship to dedicated students age 9 - adult throughout Cape Ann, the North Shore, the Greater Boston area, and online. You don't have to have professional aspirations to learn with us, but we can take you as far as you want to go, and that includes pursuing music professionally as your career.
Genres we teach
We support students in following their musical interests and incorporate training from multiple genres including:​
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Classical, from early music to postmodern
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Jazz, including improvisation
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Pop/Rock/Musical Theatre
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Contemporary & experimental​
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World music, both traditional and contemporary
Studio Locations
We have two greater Boston woodwind studios for your convenience, one on the North Shore in Gloucester, and the other in Cambridge. Both studios offer comfortable, spacious accommodations for music-making and have free parking available. We also offer online lessons.
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