Dave Good

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Hello! I run a busy private lessons practice. Every week, I help dozens of students learn saxophone and flute, I'm also a pro R&B/rock/soul/funk saxophone player with decades of playing experience. My first band was in the sixth grade, some 50 years ago! Since college, I've performed all over the country with a variety of different bands. Based in Southern California, I also host the only student jazz workshop of its kind in San Diego every Sunday at the legendary music venue Java Joe's coffee shop.

My Musical Education Background

I was blessed to land in a brilliant music program at Will C. Crawford high school in San Diego during the late 1960's. My first 'teachers' were music students Hollis Gentry, Nathan East, and Carl Evans, who went on to tour with Barry White and later formed national touring act Fattburger. Hollis eventually toured with Larry Carlton, and Nathan, a member of Fourplay, Eric Clapton, Kenny Loggins, and Phil Collin's bands at various times won a Grammy last year. My continuing music education has been on the band stand. I never stop learning. I've had the honor and privilege to study saxophone with the great Joe Marillo, Daniel Jackson from the Ray Charles band, and a young lion named Robert Dove.

Genres and Subjects Taught

I teach beginning and intermediate saxophone, beginning and intermediate flute, and music theory: how to read the notes, for example. I also incorporate ear training into my lessons for every student. Band teachers: I work closely with your lesson plans in order to help our mutual students lead their sections. I also teach band room manners. Two of my high school age sax students were selected to play in their district honor bands, and my teen jazz alto sax student just aced her finals. 100 percent, and this from a national-level jazz performer and recording artist, her teacher Danny Green.

Lesson Rates

$25 per half hour for beginners; $35 per half hour for intermediate students. $45 per hour for both levels.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Most of my students are grade school-age boys and girls. The youngest is nine. I also have two adults for students, both in their 60's. Safe to say that I teach all ages.

My Certifications and Awards

I am the recipient of an honor of distinction from the State of California for assisting the music programs in my area.

My Musical Influences

As an R&B sax player, my influences include King Curtis and Junior Walker. Add Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Karl Denson, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Harris, David Sanborn, and Houston Person.

Service Area

Stephen A
San Diego, CA

My son and I have jointly been learning sax with Dave for the last 18 months and we highly recommend him. He has a wealth of knowledge to share and is adept at customizing the teaching experience to the student's individual needs. What's more, he makes it fun and entertaining. Definitely a great value!

Lisa
La Mesa, CA

I highly recommend Dave as a wind instrument music teacher - two thumbs up. My daughter has been taking clarinet lessons with Dave, she is making amazing progress. Dave's holistic approach works very well for her, lessons are tailored to fit her skill, background, and music preferences. Unlike many other music teachers she had over the years, Dave stands out as a great MUSIC teacher-not only teaching skills and techniques of a particular instrument, he puts a lot of emphasis on music expressions, playing by ear, the joy of playing music, and jazz improvisation. My daughter used to hate practicing, she is now enjoying it: "Dave makes practice fun and not a chore...he is so witty..." Dave is a very sophisticated teacher, ideas and concepts are presented very clearly, often backed with hilarious stories. He has a subtle but effective approach to motivate, influence, and encourage her-a 14yr old overly confident teenager. She likes Dave a lot, as a teacher and mentor, he is very thoughtful and philosophical. She is not only learning how to play her clarinet, but how to play and enjoy music playing; she is not only learning music playing, but lessons for her future life: work hobbit, problem solving skills, self-confidence, and many other qualities for a successful future. I felt lucky to find Dave.

Craig S
San Diego, CA

I think if you are an adult beginner on the saxophone, Dave is a great choice to keep you encouraged on your musical journey. I found my 28 year old daughter’s alto sax in the back of a closet. I suspect that it was last played fifteen years ago when she was in junior high. I put it together and gave it a try. My previous experience on the sax was even briefer than my daughter’s. Clearly, I would need help and after some research I decided to give Dave a try. I have been taking weekly lessons for about four months and I enjoy the progress and look forward the lessons with Dave. During the course of the week I send him a short recording. He always gives positive feedback and a great suggestion for improvement. He is the perfect choice for the adult sax novice