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Ian Buss

saxophonist/composer/Educator

“A big tone, as if his tenor sax is powered by something other than breath.” - San Diego Reader

 

VIDEO/Photo Gallery

new concert and Saxophone Lesson footage coming soon. Click Photos to enlarge/Download.

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Until Now

by Ian Buss Quartet

Ian Buss, tenor saxophone

Ed Kornhauser, piano

Mackenzie Leighton, bass

Matthew Elton Smith, drums

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Peter Sprague at Spragueland

Encinitas, CA

Calendar

Check back regularly for new announcements!

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Bio

Saxophonist/Composer/Educator Ian Buss is a collaborative musician rooted in jazz and blues. He toured the United States with Grammy-nominated singer Sugaray Rayford, including headliner performances at festivals such as Bluesapalooza, Columbia Pike Blues Festival, and Big Bull Falls Blues Fest. The Sugaray Rayford Band was nominated for Band of the Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards. Ian has also shared the stage with jazz trumpeters Gilbert Castellanos and Jon Faddis, Blues legend Buddy Guy, Afro-Cuban percussionist Bobby Sanabria, and Brazilian vocalist/composer Luciana Souza.

In 2019, he founded the band Blue Morpho and formally joined contemporary chamber ensemble SWARMIUS. Both groups’ music addresses human rights and other contemporary social issues.

Passionate about music education, Ian has run his own private lesson studio since 2009 and has 4 years of online education experience. He taught individual lessons at Palomar College, directed ensembles at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, and conducted jazz theory and woodwinds masterclasses at the UCSD Jazz Camp. He also served as Artist-In-Residence at Torrey Pines High School, where he taught improvisation and big band ensemble skills, and has coached beginners at public elementary schools.

Ian is currently a graduate student at New England Conservatory in Boston. He earned his BFA from The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music and participated in the prestigious Banff Centre’s Workshop for Jazz & Contemporary Music directed Vijay Iyer and Tyshawn Sorey.

At the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory

At the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory

Lessons/Education

I began teaching in 2009 and it is one of my favorite ways of sharing music with others. I do individual and group lessons in saxophone and jazz improvisation. I have taught music majors and professional musicians, K-12 students, and retirees learning music for the first time. My studio has included ages 8-75.

Now accepting new students for Zoom/Skype Lessons.

20 minute introductory lesson for $15. Write to me on the contact page or info@ianbuss.com.

No obligation for further purchase/sign up. PayPal accepted.

PAST TEACHING POSITIONS

Applied Music Faculty - Palomar College

Ensemble Instructor - Young Lions Jazz Conservatory

Artist in Residence - Torrey Pines High School

When working with children and adolescents, I create a structured learning environment to provide comprehensive musical instruction. With adults, I teach the fundamentals of the saxophone and music, including some sight reading and ear training. As these skills develop, we explore the songs and styles of music that inspire you to play.

When possible, I am always happy to help students find a quality saxophone to buy or rent, though I do not personally sell or rent instruments or profit from this. Even if we are not in the same city, I may be able to recommend an instrument or a store for you. It is ideal to buy from a reputable instrument seller, many of whom sell online.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about lessons or getting started with music. I'm happy to help.

Thank you and best wishes in your musical journey!

PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“Me and my 12-year-old son started saxophone two years ago together. Ian had a great guide to us who had never played the instrument. My growth is slow due to age issues, (of course satisfied) but my son's growth was great. My son now has a great deal of confidence as a jazz player, and he was able to work on other things positively too. We met Ian then became more into music and jazz. He is patient and will tell you until we can do. Ian is mainly jazz, but he is also very familiar with brass band and classical saxophone too. He is a working musician who do live performance, gig, and compose in various places. He loves music from the heart, his solo is so beatuiful. Ian's lessons has changed our life. We really grateful for giving us his time.”

“Every lesson with Ian is perfect. He is encouraging and pushes me to work harder. Really makes me appreciate the sax and how beautiful it sounds.”

“Ian knows how to approach teaching me at my level, he understands where my skill level is and how to help me improve. Makes the lessons interesting and helps create motivation for the music and skills I want to work on.”

“Ian was very friendly and direct. He's knows what he's doing and greatly improved my ability to adjust quickly. Highly recommended!”

“Ian is great. My 9 year old was very excited and is looking forward to his next lesson.”

Please write to me with any questions, inquires, comments at info@ianbuss.com or below. I check this inbox regularly and would love to hear from you.

Intro 20 min lessons available on Zoom & Skype for only $15!

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