Sax My Ax

The home page of Berin Stephens
Saxophone and Clarinet instructor

Author of The Dragon War Relic

To contact me, call (801) 836-9927

berin@saxmyax.com

Located in Orem, Utah

What I offer my students:

I have bachelors and masters degrees in private music teaching:

Over 20 years of professional teaching and performing experience
Current saxophone instructor at Utah Valley University
Teach all styles: classical, jazz, rock, latin, blues, etc.
Helped many students move on to become music majors (Eastman, USC, Arizona State, University of Michigan, Interlochen, to name a few)
Solo and Ensemble adjudicator, so I can help students prepare for that event
Friendly teaching environment. I gently encourage my students to find their own motivations to play music, I am not a 'whip-cracker'
Teach all levels, from beginners through college

Computer aided instruction:

Using Smartmusic, Finale, Band-in-a-Box, and Sonar-Cakewalk

Personalized MP3 music files based on student needs:

If they need help with band music, solo and ensemble, or jazz band, I can create an MP3 to help them learn the music better and faster

Pre-recorded etudes:

I already have several music etudes recorded to help students learn them easier (Advanced Rubank, Basic Niehaus, Intermediate Neihaus with more to be added)

Master of Music in Performance and Pedagogy (BYU 1994)
Bachelor of Music in Performance and Pedagogy (BYU 1992)
Studied with Ray Smith (Utah), Marc Dickey (Oregon), and Hal Nonneman (Alaska)

Private saxophone and clarinet studio for almost 20 years
Saxophone instructor at Utah Valley University (2006-present)
Saxophone instructor at the University of Alaska, Anchorage (1994-2005)
also taught music appreciation and woodwind methods
Saxophone instructor and quartet coach at Brigham Young University (1991-1994)
Adjudicator in Alaska and Utah
Musical director of the After 6 Orchestra, Anchorage, Alaska
Jazz/rock combo instructor at Lumen Christi High School

Alaska: The Anchorage Symphony, The After 6 Orchestra, La Combo Tropical, Sullivan's Restaurant, The Anchorage Jazz Ensemble, La Conexion Latina, The Anchorage Civic Orchestra,
Utah: The Swinging Caravan Jazz Band, The Preston Lloyd Big Band, Wave O Blues, BYU's Synthesis, BYU Philharmonic, The Moonlight Serenaders

Berin Stephens was born in Anchorage, Alaska and was raised in the thriving metropolis of Chugiak. After graduating from Chugiak High School, he spent his freshman year at Oregon State University. After serving a two year LDS mission in southern California, Berin transferred to Brigham Young University and studied saxophone with Dr. Ray Smith. After completing his Masters, he returned home to Alaska to set up a private teaching studio. Berin returned to Utah in the fall of 2005.

Berin is married to Vicky and they have five children, two boys and three girls.

Performances:

Ballad feature   Alto solo with Utah Valley State College jazz ensemble, directed by Dr. David Fullmer. Recorded April 2006

Quartet      Self-recording, playing all four parts

Classical Style 1    with Janet Stiles on piano, recorded at University of Alaska - Anchorage

Classical Style 2    same as above

Latin    Berin Stephens-Alto sax; Kevin Barnett-piano; Erroll Bressler-bass; Preston Keating-drums.   Recorded at University of Alaska - Anchorage

Jazz 1    Berin Stephens-Tenor sax; other personnel the same as above

Latin Ballad    Berin Stephens-Tenor sax; Kerry Maule-trumpet; other personnel same as above

Rock    Berin Stephens-Alto sax; other personnel same as above