Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Payten Jarvis has been teaching private lessons for seven years and in the greater Chicagoland area for the past three. Payten earned his Bachelors in Music from Utah State University, focusing on music theory. While Payten’s main instrument is the baritone saxophone he also teaches the full saxophone family, clarinet, and bass clarinet. Both a teacher and a freelance musician, Payten has been brought in to play with the Wheaton College Symphonic band, music non-profit Jazz in Progress, musical theater pit orchestras, and local groups in need of a live sax. In the instruction room, Payten values improving access to music education for all types of learners. From students who are brand new to a musical instrument, to experienced musicians looking to develop a new skill, Payten meets his students where they are at.
When teaching, Payten values helping his students develop musical problem solving skills, find their own voice, and understand the theory behind the notes they are playing. His favorite part of his job is fostering his students’ excitement for music, whatever they are playing, from classical to jazz to latin and pop.