SAXOPHONE, FLUTE or CLARINET LESSONS – In person or on line

Hi, my name is Davina Pearl and I teach saxophone, flute and clarinet! If you’re a student in elementary or high school (or the parent of a student) I can help you excel in your music program. If you’re an adult who wants to pick up an instrument for the first time, or if you’d like to further your existing skills, let me help you reach the goals you have in mind, whatever they may be. Or perhaps you are working towards an audition for a high school or university music program. I work with all kinds of students, and I take great pleasure and pride in my teaching. Especially during Covid, we are finding creative ways to play together safely, including some very fun trios in the backyard.

Over 40 years playing and performing Over 15 years active teaching Member of the Canadian Federation of Musicians Studio centrally located Reasonable rates Alto and Tenor Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet Adaptations for Covid – Lessons in the garden, in studio or via video Option to play in a small group (if numbers permit) J'enseigne en français aussi!

** Perfect Gift Idea for Someone You Love **

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Covid-19 – My studio featured in a music magazine: https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2020/11/24/feature-unlocked-or-locked-down-how-music-teachers-are-learning-to-adapt-to-covid-19/

Please also see my live music website at www.davinapearl.net.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:

“I have referred many of my band students to Davina over the years, and she has absolutely worked wonders with them. From beginners to advanced kids, she has inspired and guided each one to success. I have no hesitation in recommending her as a gifted and dedicated teacher!” - Roberta Archibald, B. Mus, B. Ed, Music Teacher at Sir Robert Borden High School

"I have been a student of Davina’s since 2018. She has been a phenomenal teacher and has taught me so much about what it means to be a musician. In a collaborative relationship, we’ve covered topics from saxophone technique and reading skills to musical expression and performance. We’ve expanded my repertoire, learnt about music theory, and practiced improvisation, even as part of an ensemble. Furthermore, these lessons have helped develop my confidence and given me something fun to look forward to. Even during the pandemic, she has adapted to a safe and innovative program. I hope that one day I can match Davina’s talented demonstrations and incredible personality. This journey has been one I will never forget and am excited to see where it takes us next." - Khalil K (age 13)

"Davina is a resourceful and very qualified saxophone teacher. She is a perfect fit for my daughter who improved her skills and playing confidence prior to high school band. Davina worked with my daughter on her tone, her breathing, her reading, and how to interpret the music and play with expression. She is kind, patient, happy and sets realistic expectations. And she has a good feel for adapting to different learning styles. I am so thankful we found her." - Nancy T.

"My son looks forward to his lesson with Davina every week. With every lesson, his confidence and ability improve. This is a direct result of Davina’s encouragement, positivity, kindness and of course, her experience, technical ability and knowledge of music. Not only is she teaching him how to play the saxophone with aplomb, she works to inspire his overall love of music. As a parent with a busy household, I also value Davina’s flexibility and willingness to work with us to find the best lesson times for my son. Davina's love of music, and the saxophone in particular, shines through everything she does. I highly recommend lessons with Davina!" - K.C.

"I started on the tenor saxophone fairly late, and primarily as a “retirement project”. After playing other woodwind instruments for over 40 years, I thought I could easily make the transition on my own. However, I soon realized I would need the guidance of an experienced teacher! I find Davina’s approach to be thorough, highly individualized, and very flexible. She also has an extensive experience teaching students of various age groups and levels as well as a variety of musical genres. She uses a progressive yet global method that integrates technical development, improvements in sound production, as well as rhythm and expression - while at the same time emphasizing the importance of enjoying the music being played. Davina's dynamic and interactive style makes each lesson a worthwhile learning opportunity." - Alain Marion, MSc

“I have always wanted to play the alto sax, so last year, at the age of 64, I turned to Davina. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She is patient, kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. A real joy to work with! I highly recommend Davina to anyone who would like to learn how to play the sax, whether you have hopes of making it a career or, like myself, simply wishing to expand your life’s experiences – and maybe play a few gigs in a smoke-free jazz club.” – John Cook

« S'il y a des gens qui sont à la recherche d'un bon professeur pour le saxophone alto ou ténor ou même la flûte traversière, Davina Pearl est vraiment une femme exceptionnelle pour transmettre ses connaissances de musique. Je suis avec Davina depuis 2 mois. J'ai eu la chance de suivre les cours chez elle, mais à l'extérieur de sa maison (raison covid19) ainsi que sur zoom et ceci a été un grand succès pour mon apprentissage. Davina est professionnelle, amicale et très respectueuse avec les consignes reliées au covid19. Si vous voulez apprendre de ces instruments, je vous la recommande sans hésiter. » - Brigitte Blais

“Davina is a fabulous musician and teacher who has helped instill confidence in our son. She’s taken a thoughtful and individualized approach to developing his saxophone skills during the particularly challenging tween years. We are blessed to have this lovely soul in our lives!” - Parent of young student

"We had the pleasure and the privilege to engage Davina Pearl for private alto sax lessons for my daughter. My daughter had no musical background at the time and played no instrument, however, she very much wanted to join her school band. Davina made it possible. My daughter is now in grade 12 and continues to play in the band. She has benefited enormously from that experience throughout her high school years. Davina is a great teacher – patient but rigorous, fun and collaborative. My daughter no longer needs her regular support and we miss meeting with Davina every week. If you’re looking for a saxophone teacher for your teen, your child or yourself, I highly recommend Davina!" - Nancy Rosenberg

"At 55 years old I decided to learn to play the saxophone. I researched the local music teachers and Davina’s profile appealed to me. Davina was instrumental in getting me over the initial steep learning curve, especially that it was my first foray into studying music. She has a great attitude and loads of patience. I like that she is a professional musician and knows what it takes to become proficient. Davina makes me feel comfortable in my ability, while still always challenging me to be better. I particularly enjoyed the personal touch that she brings to her teaching. She always listens to my feedback, follows my progress and tailors my lessons and assignments accordingly. I highly recommend Davina as an outstanding saxophone teacher." - Badreddine Karoui

"Davina is an outstanding music teacher that encourages our daughter to reach her full potential as a sax player. Davina was highly recommended and we now know why." - Sheri Malott

"My daughter had been playing the saxophone in her high school band but wanted to become more proficient. She started taking lessons from Davina a few years ago and since then has improved tremendously and has become much more confident in her playing. We can highly recommend Davina!" - Simone Estabrooks

"My daughter Ella had an opportunity to play saxophone in her grade five music class. The music program was discontinued for grade six. Ella wanted to continue so we thought we could try private lessons. We came across Davina's poster, and called her up, and we were so happy that we did. Davina provides a holistic approach to her teaching that combines the physical aspects of embouchure, breathing, posture and visualization with the technical aspects of reading and interpreting music. Davina's lessons include formal exercises and scales, as well as ear training and improvisation. And performance pieces for Ella to work on. Through Davina’s mentoring Ella has found her saxophone “voice" and is showing maturity in her interpretive and expressive style. Ella looks forward to her lessons with Davina and is encouraged by the positive feedback she receives for her continuing progress." - Andrew Crawford

"Davina is no ordinary music teacher… Her students go far beyond learning the interpretation techniques. She coaches them to develop a well-rounded sense of music and creativity. Davina has been teaching our son since he was in Grade 5. Now 16, our son enjoys the challenge of playing along with the best young musicians in Ontario." - Lidia and Mircea Pana

"My son started taking lessons with Davina in the summer to help with his tryouts for the Grade 8 jazz band on tenor sax. Davina’s approach to teaching is both methodical and inspired. I saw my son’s technique on the sax improve considerably, and his overall musicality on the instrument is now very good, especially for such a short period of study. I would recommend Davina to anyone looking to improve their skills on the saxophone." - Cynthia McMinn

"My child has taken 2 years of band class at school since Grade 5. His school music teacher has always been satisfied with his alto sax performance, but I hoped he could pick up and develop more skills during summer holidays, so I brought him to take private lessons with Davina. He indeed picked up a lot of new skills and progressed well. I highly recommend Davina." - K. Wong