I have been teaching saxophone in the Portland area for 32 years. My core philosophy consists of teaching fundamentals through the use of proper breathing and technique and learning music that the player enjoys. I teach children and I also accept serious adults students. Classical studies are a basis for all other styles of music that you want to learn but I also teach jazz popular folk Klezmer etc! I formed Quartette Barbette in 1993 and have been performing in the Portland/Vancouver area since 1986. Recently I began performing with the Oregon Symphony Pops as well as in area big bands ska bands and session work. Professional performances include work with Johnny Mathis Joe Williams Dennis Rowland and college performances include: Bobby Shew Billy Childs Dr. Billy Taylor and Pete Christlieb from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Session work includes performances on Kelly Jones 'Handle with Care' 'Lonesome Heart'/soprano sax and Lew Jones' (no relation) 'Sublimation' on 'Vanport Flood'/tenor sax. I feel that there are only two kinds of music: good music and bad! Lessons are held at my home studio located at SE 91st and Clay St - Conveniently located to students living in the following areas: Southeast and East Portland, Montavilla, Mt Tabor, Clackamas, Happy ValleY. .
Here is a testimonial from a former student's parent:
'When my daughter decided to play saxophone I looked for a local teacher
for training beyond what our public school could provide. I am so thankful
that I found Barbette Falk! She instantly clicked with my shy daughter and
they worked together for 4 years until Marissa left for college. She
performed in 3 of her high school's bands solo performances and
competitions. And she continues to play in college to this day! Barbette
inspired a love of music and a committment to excellence that she will have
for the rest of her life. Music lessons are essential for a well-rounded
education but what Barbette provided for our family goes far beyond that.
Thank you so much Barbette!'
And from Ron Edson a current student:
I have taken saxophone lessons from Barbette for 3 ? years and am very appreciative of her tremendous blend of skill high standards and patience. Although I am a 70 year old who took just a small amount of piano lessons as a young child and has had no previous saxophone experience Barbette has made my adventure of learning to play the saxophone a real pleasure. Again it is her skill and patience that has made it a fun experience while at the same time she has maintained high standards that that have ensured real progress.
In addition to teaching from my home studio in OUTER SE PORTLAND I am now teaching at Portland Music on SE 123rd and Division and Portland Music at SE 10th and Powell as well as my home studio near SE 92nd and Stark/Division! Call for lesson times/rates. Speak with you soon!
