Saxophone

Monica Jones has always had a passion for music. She began studying piano as a child and moved onto clarinet in junior high and saxophone in secondary school. Her studies with Janice Finlay and Brian Zimmerman during secondary school offered her a solid foundation in saxophone and jazz improvisation while earning her recognition through provincial awards and honour band invitations. Monica furthered her studies in jazz saxophone at Brandon University where she studied with Greg Gatien, Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone. She developed her musicianship and performance abilities in the Brandon University Big Band, in numerous small jazz ensembles and through her concentrated studies in jazz improvisation, music theory, ear training, and composition. Since 2015, Monica has been a valued member of Winnipeg’s East Side Jazz Band. While her main instruments are Tenor and Alto saxophone, she also doubles on soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet and vocals. Under her own name in small ensemble settings, she performs on saxophone and as a vocalist in genres of R&B/Soul and Jazz. Monica has had a private saxophone studio since 2005 and coaches in the Winnipeg school district on saxophone and woodwinds. She provides jazz and classical instruction as well as aural skills, theory, music history and improvisation.

What is your education and experience?

Bachelor of Music from Brandon University.

What makes your lessons different from the rest?

I like to incorporate as much about music as I can in each lesson, not only learning to play the saxophone but also reading music, learning music by ear, how music theory applies and incorporating many different styles of music including improvisation.

What do you love about teaching?

I love sharing the joy of music with others!

Tell us about one of your fondest music memories:

Taking the bus during a snow storm because our car was stuck in the snow and I refused to miss my music lesson!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking music lessons?

Just do it! If you’re interested in learning music you won’t regret signing up for lessons and beginning your musical journey.