Steve Duke, Saxophone

“Studying with Steve Duke is a lesson in music-making as a way of life. How to approach your instrument, how to make a sound- a beautiful sound, how to move and hold your body while making music, and- most importantly- how to listen to music: these are the crucial parts of what Steve teaches and shows by example. I didn't know it then, but my time as a student of Steve's was a wonderful preparation for my career as a record producer. Attention to tone and pitch, improvising arrangement ideas, maintaining a relaxed but focused atmosphere: all are concepts that Steve honed in me. I simply would not be the musician I am today without him.”

Brad Wood, Record Producer, Musician
Seagrass Studio

"Steve Duke has been a real blessing in my life. When I came to him, I was having chronic pain associated with playing my saxophone. Working with him helped me find and eliminate the underlying cause of the pain. His integration of bodywork and saxophone technique was exactly what I needed. And his command of the saxophone is simply amazing. Steve has set the bar for sax teachers."

Nick Bisesi
International Recording Artist, Member Ramsey Lewis' Urban Knights
www.nickbisesi.com

“I’ve observed lots of teachers in action, some of whom teach via formulas they’ve been taught, and they apply them without any thought to the reasons behind the methodology. Then there are the rare few such as Stephen Duke. Professor Stephen Duke is one of the most insightful teachers I’ve ever observed, one who looks much more deeply in to how and why a student plays in the manner that he or she does, and is able to address technical, aesthetic, and physical issues in those students thereby helping them discover better more efficient ways of playing. The result is often dramatic. I have studied with Professor Duke and continue to interact with him as a professional and he always brings fresh ideas to those sessions. I have also sent students to him to learn about performance ease and to experience new ways of approaching music making that help them bridge multiple styles of music while developing an expanded sense of their own musical center.”

Lawrence Panella
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Jazz Studies
The University of Southern Mississippi
School of Music
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

"The ability to play any instrument with ease is the most important tool a musician may possess in one's arsenal. Steve's innovative teaching methods allowed me to make great strides in playing the saxophone effortlessly. Connecting the bottom to the top of the horn with an incredible new found fluidity allowed me to improvise without restriction and complication.  

Jarod C. Bufe
Professional Saxophonist, Woodwind Repair Technician / Partner
BandSource Company
www.bandsourcecompany.com