Gabriel Botsford - Saxophone and Clarinet

You have music inside you just dying to get out! 

It is so much fun to make music! It's more fun when you have a supportive and caring instructor who knows what they are doing. Let me be a part of your musical journey and we will face any and all challenges together!

From his student: “Gabriel helped my son successfully audition for his school Jazz Band. He is patient and kind, while keeping my son on task.” -Caleb T.

REQUEST YOUR SAX OR CLARINET LESSON TODAY!

You can also call or text 858-859-1191 and we’ll get back with you in 24 hours.

GABRIEL BOTSFORD’S RESUME

Instruments Taught

  • Primary - Saxophone

  • Secondary - Clarinet

  • All Styles and Genres.

Education & Experience

  • M.M. Saxophone Performance, California State University Northridge, 2015

  • B.M. Saxophone Performance, California State University Northridge, 2013

Performance Credits (2000 - present)

  • Cesar Myles and the Dreaded Truth (Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady), Bay Area, 1999-2002

  • Grito Serpentino (Latin Rock), Bay Area, 1999-2002

  • DeAnza College Wind Band, Cupertino, 2008-2010

  • DeAnza College 5 O’clock Daddios Jazz Band, Cupertino, 2008-2010

  • CSUN: Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz ‘C’ Band, Northridge Saxophone Quartet, Northridge Saxophone Ensemble, Solo, Duo and Ensemble recitals (Improvisation 1, by Ryo Noda,Songbook for Alto Sax and Marimba, by David Maslanka, Bachianas Brasileiras, Heito Villalobos, arranged for saxophone by Frank Bongiorno…)

  • Full Clip (Hip-Hop, Latin, and Rock), Northridge 2012-2015

  • Wine Wednesdays, Venice Beach, 2017-2020

  • Coronado Concert Band, Christmas, 2023

  • Portuguese Band of San Diego 2023-Present

Teaching Credits (2002 - present)

  • Union Music, San Francisco, 2002-2004

  • In-Home instructor, San Fernando Valley, 2011-2015

  • Musikey, San Diego, presently employed

  • Sam Ash Music, Lemon Grove, presently employed

About ME

Gabriel started playing the saxophone at age 10, playing in the band and singing in the choir in middle school and high school. While in high school, he picked up the clarinet and flute, playing in high school wind and jazz bands. Upon graduation he started playing in various jazz, blues, rock and ska groups in the Bay Area. It was at this time that he developed his guitar and keyboard fundamentals. 

He started his post-secondary education experience honing his musicianship and keyboard skills at DeAnza College in Cupertino, California. As a transfer student, he attended California State University Northridge. It was there that he received his first formal lessons, under the mentorship of Professor Jerry Luedders. His performance experience at CSUN includes dozens of recitals as a soloist, in chamber groups, as an accompanist for vocal soloists, and as a partner with student composers.

Methods Used

Lessons are catered to the students skills and interest. Method books are chosen on an individual basis. However, these books are frequently used:

  • Standard of Excellence, Bruce Pearson

  • Rubank Elementary/Intermediate/Advanced Method, H. Voxman and W.M. Gower

  • Patterns for Jazz, Jerry Coker

  • Modern Text Reading in 4/4, Louis Bellson

Teacher’s Philosophy

Gabriel enjoys facilitating a lifelong love of music in his students.  He motivates students by drawing out their natural abilities and developing physical fundamentals that minimize the discomfort of learning.  Through teaching the fundamentals of music, Gabriel connects the joy of learning to the joy of making music.

Lesson Rates

2024 new teacher special

  • $75/hour

  • $60/45 minutes

  • $40/half Hour