Experience:
Lena has over six years of experience teaching lessons and masterclasses to students of all ages. She has previously taught at NYU as an Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone and at Dexter Music Academy in Newport Beach, California.
Education:
B.M. in Jazz Performance from the University of California, Irvine. M.M. in Jazz Performance from New York University.
Located:
Manhattan, NYC
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lena is a saxophonist and composer living in New York City. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance at the University of California, Irvine under the tutelage of Miles Davis’ former pianist, Kei Akagi, Lena moved to New York City in 2013 to pursue her Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance at NYU. Lena has studied with jazz luminaries such as Kenny Werner, Mark Turner, Ben Wendel, Ralph Alessi and Ari Hoenig. In April 2014, Lena won the Costa Rica Promising Artist of the 21st Century competition and traveled to Costa Rica to teach masterclasses and perform throughout the country. Lena recently released her debut album, irwinorange in July 2015 featuring Ralph Alessi, Kenny Werner, Manuel Schmiedel, Chris Lightcap and Gerald Cleaver and collaborated with visual artist Franklin Evans whose work has been featured at Ameringer McEnery Yohe and MoMa PS1. She has received critical acclaim for her album in AllAboutJazz and from performing and visual artists including Ravi Coltrane and Brian Alfred.
