Auckland
Saxophone Lessons | Theory Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons
Bio
Ben McNicoll has been playing professionally and teaching the saxophone since the year 2000.
Tailoring lessons to the needs of the student, Ben offers a low pressure approach, helping students to find the joy in playing, break through technical or knowledge barriers, and work towards their own playing goals. He loves to work with adult students returning to the sax, or just starting out. It’s never too late.
He plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone saxes, and performs most often on Tenor or Baritone.
With a love for all the musics that have come out of Africa (and that’s most popular styles), he’s performed and recorded with Jazz, Funk, Afrobeat, Reggae, Hip-hop and pop groups from small to large.
Ben also runs CJC Creative Jazz Club Aotearoa, a weekly concert every Wednesday in Auckland.
Ben Studied at Massey University, Wellington majoring in Jazz Performance, and has been playing and teaching professionally in Auckland since 2000.
CURRENTLY PERFORMING WITH
- Ozi Ozaa (Ghana/West-African high-life and afro-funk)
- Auckland Jazz Orchestra (5 recorded albums)
- The Flying McNicoll Brothers (jazz duo/trio)
- Ambitopia (Contemporary original jazz quartet)
PREVIOUSLY
- Ijebu Pleasure Club (leading 12 piece afrobeat/pop covers band)
- Spammerz (1 recorded EP, live performances)
- North Harbour Big Band (lead sax section on alto)
- Homebrew (Hip-hop. Performed on gold-selling debut album; live performances at Big Day Out, R&V, Homegrown, Tiger Translate, NZ Herald Sundae Sessions and others)
- The Hot Grits (Afrobeat/funk. Auckland Festival, NZ tours, support act for Roy Ayers)
- Gahu (afro-jazz fusion. 2 original albums. Supported James Brown in Auckland.)
SESSION WORK
Recording sessions for Dancing With The Stars, 48 hour production challenge and other freelance studio and live work.
Teaching Info
Individual lessons tailored to your learning goals and level. Young and old, beginners to advanced.
A jazz-based approach that equips you with the skills to play most styles of contemporary music.
Lessons can include:
– Correct saxophone technique
– Music theory
– Reading music
– Playing by ear
– Effective practise (how to get the most out of the time you put in)
– Improvisation for blues, jazz, contemporary styles
– Role of sax in a band
– Solo and backing techniques
– Transcription (learning from recordings)
Depending on age and experience level, lessons can be weekly, fortnightly, or casual.