Saxophone Studio
Welcome
I am an established saxophone teacher with a Doctorate in Saxophone Performance from the University of British Columbia (2011). I teach private lessons to students of all ages and abilities at my home studio in Victoria. I also teach private lessons online through Zoom.
During my 30 years of playing the saxophone, I have played professionally in saxophone quartets (Vis-a-Vis Saxophone Quartet, Helikon Saxophone Quartet), concert bands (Meridiem Winds), traditional and avant-garde ensembles (Aventa Victoria, Nederlands Blazers Ensemble), musical theatre, jazz bands and symphony orchestras (Victoria Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic).
All students will be learning enjoyable pieces and studies, in a safe and positive educational setting.
I’m also a film composer at Oak Bay Studios and have scored films in a variety of genres.
Performance Opportunities
Student concerts are held two times a year (November, March and June), and all students are invited to perform. Students are also encouraged to take exams through the Royal Conservatory of Music and local students can participate in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival.
Lessons Offered
I feel a great passion for sharing the joy of music with my students. My main instrument is the saxophone, but I also teach beginner piano, clarinet, music theory and composition. Some of my students fill their weekly lessons with a combination of subjects (for example saxophone and beginner piano) to fulfill their musical needs.
I offer the following lessons1. Online Private Lessons
You will receive weekly lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes via the Zoom App (Zoom Client for Meetings) or the Google Meet App. Both Apps are free of charge. (downloads: https://zoom.us/download | https://meet.google.com/)
2. In-Person Private Lessons
I am teaching In-Person lessons at my home studio in Fairfield as well as at my downtown studio (Haus of Owl).
3. Three-Lesson Band Package
For beginning band students I offer a three-lesson band package. Learn some of the basic techniques in three consecutive lessons. This package is also a good choice to see if private lessons are the right fit for the student.
All students are encouraged to perform in the student concerts my partner Jacqueline Perriam (piano) and I organize each year. Students who take part in concerts benefit from having a performance goal as well as gaining performance opportunities while family and friends can witness how each student improves their musical abilities on their instruments.
Calendar
Weekly lessons follow my seasonal calendar, which can be viewed or downloaded here (2023-24 coming soon).
Registration & Rates
For new weekly students please sign up for an initial meeting (10-15 minutes, phone or video call) by sending an email to e.abbink@gmail.com or by calling or texting me directly at 250.415.2772
At the meeting we will discuss goals, learning style, and payment options. There is no registration fee.
For the three-lesson band package please email me for available times.
The Rates are as follows:
30 minute weekly lesson $135/month
45 minute weekly lesson $190/month
60 minute weekly lesson $245/month
More About Me
I was born and raised in the Netherlands and received my saxophone training and experience in the Netherlands with saxophonist Arno Bornkamp and Johan van der Linden) and Canada with saxophonist Julia Nolan.
I hold the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Saxophone Performance from the ArtEZ University of Arts in Enschede (Netherlands) and a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of British Columbia.
More information about me can be found on my biography page.