Private Music Theory Lessons
Why private lessons that focus specifically on music theory?
It’s a great opportunity to slow down and focus on the fundamentals! This is great for all students, but a real benefit for those preparing for auditions at the middle, high school or college level, or students auditioning for community bands.
Music Theory & Harmony
In these lessons, students explore how chords are built, why they sound the way they do, and how harmony shapes every style of music. Whether you’re curious about composing, arranging, or writing your own songs, this track gives you the tools to understand—and create—music with confidence.
Ear Training
Strengthen your musical intuition by learning to recognize rhythms, intervals, melodies, chords, and harmonic progressions by ear. Students develop reliable relative pitch through guided listening, call‑and‑response exercises, and practical techniques used by professional musicians. This training helps players of all instruments become more accurate, expressive, and connected to the music they hear.
Improvisation
Discover the art of spontaneous music‑making. Students learn how to build melodic ideas, navigate chord changes, and develop rhythmic creativity in real time. Through structured practice and guided exploration, improvisers gain the vocabulary and confidence needed to solo with personality and purpose—whether in jazz, rock, blues, or contemporary styles.
Chris Almada
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano
Music Theory
Available: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Christopher Almada is a highly accomplished performing musician and dedicated educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a journey that began at a young age, he has earned acclaim from some of the most prestigious institutions in the industry. As a young musician, Christopher Almada distinguished himself by being selected for numerous youth all-star groups, showcasing not only his talent but also his dedication to his craft. His playing caught the attention of recruiters from Berklee College of Music in Boston, leading to a scholarship that opened the doors to a world-class musical education. During his time at Berklee, he studied music performance, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the art of music. Christopher's musical journey has taken him to stages of all sizes, from local festivals such as the San Jose Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival, to other large events around the United States, including the Bean Town Jazz Festival.
Christopher has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists from a broad range of genres. Collaborations with renowned musicians like Phil Lesh of the legendary rock band The Grateful Dead, as well as jazz heavy weights like Danilo Perez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson Jr., Stefon Harris, Benny Green, Art Lande and jazz fusion trumpeter Tiger Okoshi are just a small part of his rich musical tapestry. Christopher's compelling stage presence has even led to memorable performances alongside some of his own personal saxophone idols, including Lenny Pickett (musical director of the Saturday Night Live band and member of Tower Of Power), Joe Lovano, Eddie Daniels, and David Binney.
Christopher Almada brings this wealth of experience and a deep passion for music to his role as a music educator. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, he has been a mentor to students of all ages. Lesson plans are tailored to meet the student's unique needs - whether you are a music enthusiast looking to enjoy a new hobby, a high school student preparing for a competitive college and professional atmosphere, or a working professional seeking refinement. Christopher takes immense pride in nurturing his students' talents and bearing witness to their successes.
Please visit the main Lessons Information Page to learn more about our amazing lesson program.
If you have any questions please call our store at 925-828-5267 or e-mail lessons@jamsmusicdublin.com.
We look forward to working with you and helping you on your musical journey!