About me

Pablo Torrealba

Hi! I’m a saxophonist from Chile, and I’ve been teaching for over 25 years now. I love teaching both individually and in groups, and I’ve formed some great saxophone ensembles along the way. I’ve taught in schools and music academies, and I’ve had the pleasure of performing many concerts with my students in Chile, Germany and New Zealand. In 2015, I founded Saxtiago, the only permanently active saxophone ensemble in Chile, which performs several benefit concerts every year.

I first studied saxophone performance at the Universidad de Chile and later obtained a degree in Music Education at the Universidad Mayor. I’m also certified in the Suzuki Method and Montessori pedagogy. Since June 2024, I’ve been in Auckland doing a Master of Music at the University of Auckland, researching the integration of saxophone ensemble practice into the individual pedagogy, with an approach based on principles of social justice, community music, and students’ voices

Since arriving in Auckland, I’ve performed with the following groups:

  • University of Auckland Jazz Band on soprano and baritone saxophones.
  • University of Auckland Concert Band (UniBand) on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones.
  • UniSax, a saxophone ensemble featuring saxophonists from the UniBand, on soprano saxophone.
  • Auckland Saxophone Ensemble on soprano, alto and baritone saxophones
  • Orion Saxophone Quartet, on alto saxophone
  • West City Concert Band, on alto saxophone

Last year I taught at Meyta Music Classes and the Howick School of Music. I’m currently teaching at Long Bay College, where I have founded saxophone ensembles with my students, ranging from absolute beginners to intermediate/advanced levels.  The classes can be in English or Spanish, in-person or online.

How the lessons work

Children & Adults

Individual lessons

Let’s start by having a friendly chat about where you are now and what you’d like to get out of learning the saxophone. If you’ve already got some experience, we’ll use that to work out your starting level. Whatever your goals might be, whether you’re just learning the basics of fingerings, embouchure and breathing, you want to learn how to play in different styles and settings, or maybe you want to prepare for a music exam (ABRSM, Trinity, Rock School, etc.), I’m here to help you reach your goals!

Group lessons

We all know how fun individual lessons can be, but have you ever considered playing in a saxophone group? Whether you’d like an intimate duet, a trio or a classic quartet, or even a saxophone ensemble of seven or more, playing with others is an experience like no other. You’ll learn to listen to others, work as a team, feature or accompany, and share the joy of music with others! I love to record the ensembles for my students so they can have a better idea of the final result.

In person

I’m currently teaching at Long Bay College, a lovely place. If you’re not lucky enough (or young enough) to be a student there, you can find me by email. The lessons can be in English or Spanish, so you can learn in your comfort zone!

Online

Wouldn’t it be great if we all had the chance to learn together in person? But sometimes you might live somewhere without any saxophone teachers, or maybe you’re just too busy to get to lessons. Don’t worry, though, because we’ve got you covered with our online lessons! These are great for helping you to develop at your own pace.

Some Fun Facts about the saxophone?

Numbers

7
Saxophone family members
26
Years of teaching experience
2
Available languages for lessons
The family of

Saxophones

Adolphe Sax was such a legend! He invented a whole family of instruments, and these days there are seven types. The most popular ones are the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, which you can currently find in New Zealand, and I use them in my lessons.
A wonderful thing about the saxophones is that they all share a similar technique, so it’s a piece of cake for students who want to explore different functions and registers. Whether you like to play high notes and melodies or prefer to be the foundation of all the other sounds, this family has always something to offer everyone.

soprano saxophone
soprano saxophone
soprano saxophone
Alto saxophone
Alto saxophone
Alto saxophone
Tenor saxophone
Tenor saxophone
Tenor saxophone
Baritone saxophone
Baritone saxophone
Baritone saxophone
Recordings, articles and more

Students' Area

Search for the available categories to discover materials I’m publishing when I’m not playing or teaching 🙂

All in good time
Recordings

All In Good Time (Karen Street)

For saxophone ensemble (SAAAATTB), with repeated improvisation sections (D and E), for practice. All saxophones were recorded by Pablo Torrealba. All saxophones recorded by Pablo Torrealba

Read My Blog
Interested?

Get in touch

If you’re feeling ready to start from scratch or want to jump back into the music, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to set up a time and discuss the conditions of your lessons, whether you’d prefer to meet in-person or online. Drop me a line to arrange the best option for you!

Book your lesson!

In-person or online; in English or Spanish; soprano, alto, tenor or baritone saxophone. All you need is a working instrument and time to practise. Forget about mysterious gifts or entrance exams! I’m here to help you learn and enjoy playing this wonderful instrument.



Pablo Torrealba

In-person lessons at Long Bay College (only for students)
+64 22 464 5795
pablo@saxlessons.nz