Ioannis Vakaloudis Saxophone Lessons in Utrecht

Saxophone Lessons Utrecht

Hey there! I'm Ioannis all-round experienced saxophone teacher in Utrecht. Whether it's loud and crunchy, or soft and mellow, the king of wind instruments, the saxophone is a very fun instrument to play and, in fact, it's one of the easiest ones to learn! Express yourself in the most direct way by letting the air flow from within your body into your music.

Styles and Genres

My professional and academic musician's career has brought me close to many different styles and genres. Whether you like jazz, rock, funk, blues, soul, R&B, pop, or reggae music, the saxophone can be the vessel to take you there!

Improvisation is hard to learn?

Many people think it is hard to learn the ultimate creative form of expression, which is free improvisation. From my experience as a teacher, I can tell you that I'm sure you can learn and enjoy it! All of those styles and genres can be instantly available to you through my lessons!

Your goals?

Would you like to play along your favourite records? Is it maybe your new years resolution to learn to play saxophone and shine as a leader like Dexter, Coltrane, Sanborn or Maceo Parker? Jam with your friends? Make a band? Or are you more experienced saxophone player and would you like to express your feelings and create your own music on a higher level? After all, what could be a more direct way to express yourself, if not through your own breath? Together we will carve our very own path towards all of these goals!

Saxophone - Beginners

Together we will learn the basic techniques of blowing through the instrument and explore multiple fingerings on the keys. We will get acquainted to the instrument and demystify myths concerning the saxophone, such as needing to have "big" lungs to play it. Start with your first tunes and get the fundamentals of theory, rhythm and ear skills to get your first taste of the music-world!

Intermediate - Advanced

For intermediate and advanced students, we will focus on your performance abilities and confidence, sound (gear such as straps ,harnesses, reeds, mouthpieces, horns), improvisation skills, mastering of harmonic, rhythmical and aural elements. I can help you boost your skills and reach a professional playing level similar to your musical heroes, all while slowly helping you craft your own personal sound.

Lesson Locations

The lessons are given at my home near the centre of Utrecht, Ondiep. I also can come to you. Buy a 5 or 10-lessons 'Strippenkaart' for maximum flexibility.

Online Saxophone Lessons

Filled with fun and challenging exercises and ways to take your skills to the next level, from the comfort of your home. Live feedback and instructions!

All Levels and Ages

As I have been teaching for the past 11 years and specialised in music education in my studies, my experience has granted me a variety of skills in teaching people from all age groups and levels. From the basics, to the advanced, both young and older students can set their pace in learning music with me. The key concepts in any case is understanding each other and establishing an honest communication bridge between us.

About Janis

Music has been the core of my life for the past 20 years, since I got acquainted with it through my first piano lessons. After that, the guitar, the saxophone and many other instruments introduced themselves to me and now I am a professional multi-instrumentalist residing in Utrecht, Netherlands, where I have dedicated my life in playing, composing and teaching music.

I am a graduate of the Musicology department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece with an integrated Masters' degree with a specialty on music education and I have also got a diploma in modern guitar through the Conservatory of Thermi, Greece. I have also studied the saxophone for 6 years in the Music School of Thessaloniki, Greece. I have studied under the guidance of multiple teachers and have attended various masterclasses on jazz, gypsy jazz, pop / rock, song writing, Balkan music and more.My music experience has been enriched by participating in numerous bands throughout the years, in many different genres, such as jazz, rock, blues, funk, soul, reggae and more. I have also released 2 EP's in 2013 and 2015 named "The Siren" and "Sunset" and a full length album in 2020 titled "Falling Leaves", all with my own compositions, lyrics and arrangements. I have also contributed in many recordings for people and projects like Blebiru, George Avramidis, Vasilis Petridis and more.Currently, I am a member in many projects, namely Blebiru, Trio Tensegrity, Dig Dis Quartet, Tsop SKG, Wiseflower, Big Band van Utrecht, my own band and I also work as a freelance guitarist, bassist and saxophonist.