New York NY, 10007
Instruments:Clarinet, Composition, Ear Training, Flute, Piano, Saxophone, Theory
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Kids, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:25 years
Rate:$100 / hr
Personal Statement
Laura Dreyer is available for private and group instruction and can assist you in realizing your potential no matter what your age or current level of ability. Her years of experience, thoughtfulness, and insight into every student’s specific strengths and challenges have been invaluable to many. Laura will custom design a practice regimen and help you to set attainable musical goals, while having fun at the same time! Whether you are a complete beginner or seasoned professional, Laura can help unlock the doors to your creativity, as well as offer sound, practical advice on how to take your playing to the next level.
Lessons can be on a regular or as needed basis and can be given at her studio or your location (if you are in the NYC area) Price varies according to the specific details of your needs, so please contact Laura to discuss this.
Education / Training
A scholarship student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Dreyer studied with noted music educators Andy McGee, Joe Viola, and John LaPorta. In addition, she took private lessons with saxophone greats Joe Henderson and Joe Lovano, composers Lyle Mays and Jim McNeely. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded Laura three grants: one in performance and two in professional jazz study/composition. She participated in the BMI composition program conducted by composer/trombonist Bob Brookmeyer. Four of her songs have received honorable mention in Billboard Magazine’s songwriting contests.
In addition to being a clinician and adjuticator, Laura currently teaches jazz improv, saxophone & clarinet at Hoff Barthelson Music School, saxohone, flute, piano & recorder at The Church Street Music School, woodwinds at The New York Pops Salute to Music Program, and coaches many private students ranging from beginner to professional. She has served on the adjunct faculty of Long Island University, The Berkeley Carroll School, Greenwich House Music School, The Allen Stevenson School, Cazedero Music and Arts Camp, Jamey Aebersold Jazz Clinics, and most recently, The Berklee College of Music. Dreyer was a featured columnist in Saxophone Journal for five years, and contues to write for various music publications including Jazz Improv Magazine, and Sax on the Web. In addition to her music career, Laura has studied and performed comedy improv and sketch comedy at The People’s Improv Theatre and the Magnet Theatre in New York City, and has appeared on television and radio as an improv actor.
Here’s what people are saying!
“Laura Dreyer possesses all of the qualities a great teacher should have; talent, mastery of the instrument, good communication skills, and a caring compassion for those who want to learn. I’ve done clinics with Laura and I give her my highest recommendation.”
Jody Espina -President
JodyJazz Saxophone & Clarinet Mouthpieces
Jazz Dept. Coordinator – Hoff Barthleson Music School
“As an adult student who returned to playing the saxophone after many years,I have found Laura to be an excellent teacher. She has a limitless supplyof musical knowledge and skill, and the patience and encouragement to impartit to others. Laura’s musical wisdom has guided me through my rediscoveryof my instrument, and brought me to new levels of technical expertise and creative jazz improvisation. I
would recommend her to anyone I know as a woodwind/jazz teacher.”
Eric Buonamassa – Student
“Laura’s deep and varied musical education and wide experience informs her teaching. She is extremely generous and conscientious: the exercises she uses to address tone, articulation and rhythm are well thought out and effective.”
Isis & Elijah Shiffer – students