Welcome!
I’m Keith
Ridenhour
Hello, I am Keith Ridenhour (Kride). Welcome to my site. I have been a teacher and performer for many years. Please take a minute to look around.
What I do
Educator
My biggest joy is teaching and instructing ensembles. I have taught Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and Jazz Improvisation for many years privately and in the Napa, Sonoma County , and Marin County schools. I have taught students from 7 to 70 years old and the joy of learning new information and playing good music is something you should not miss.
Motivator
In my 13 years of running a mens aging group I’ve shared ideas about regular exercise, meditation, yoga , passions and other topics that have enhanced my retirement.
Performer
I’ve been in the Jami Jamison band for 19 years playing all over Sonoma and Marin counties.I jam with various local musicians jazz, soul and blues. I play flute in a duo over in Berkeley often. I play in a trio in Sonoma county jazz. I also do two and sometimes 4 convalescent hospital performances a week with trios, duos and a solo act with backing tracks. I’ve played many kinds of music .
My Blog…
My Blog will cover what Im doing in retirement (as I write this 13 years into it) from all my “pillars”: mental, physical, social, and passions . I also muse on where i am on my life long Musical Journey
Teaching
When I start with a new student I always let the interests of the student drive the lesson. It’s all about setting and fulfilling YOUR goals. Having had great teachers myself and going to Berklee College of Music has given me a wealth of information to pass on and YOU”LL HAVE FUN. We focus on Tone, Time, Technique, Theory, Tunes and Transcribing.
Recordings
I’ve recorded for many years on a variety of projects. Many with the Jami Jamison Band over the 20 years I’ve been playing with them. In the last few years I’ve wanted to write and record “my songs” so thats been a focus.
From My Collaborators
Here are some testimonials from my students and band mates.
“Keith , Just wanted to drop you a line of Gratitude. I FINALLY !!!! got past that plateau you were always telling about as I practiced. However it wasn’t just the practice , I believe you were able to turn Me around on How I practiced, the results have been outstanding. So much has changed , the way I approach my practicing, and my Lessons. The talent you have to be able to figure out my flaws and turn me around my One of my Biggest Obstacles . Your suggestion to not focus on others around me but just what I wanted to hear and not try to be someone else. My timing and speed have fallen into place like you said. I am sure your other students are feeling the same things I am. I am fortunate to have you as an instructor, looking forward to my lesson to learn and develop new things.”
“Thanks Keith, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the work you have done.
Keith Ridenhour is an amazing musician, but an even better educator. His love for what he does is contagious, his energy and devotion to his art form grabs his students by the ears and pulls them along through an incredible learning experience. I’ve seen him captivate a room full of kids, I’ve seen him work one on one with a student and impact the way they approach their instrument in such a fundamental way that everything else they do on their horn is improved. Keith is a masterful teacher who’s personality and musical talent would be a welcome addition to any student’s music learning experience.”
Just wanted to drop you a line of Gratitude. I FINALLY !!!! got past that plateau you were always telling about as I practiced. However it wasn’t just the practice , I believe you were able to turn Me around on How I practiced, the results have been outstanding. So much has changed , the way I approach my practicing, and my Lessons. The talent you have to be able to figure out my flaws and turn me around my One of my Biggest Obstacles . Your suggestion to not focus on others around me but just what I wanted to hear and not try to be someone else. My timing and speed have fallen into place like you said. I am sure your other students are feeling the same things I am. I am fortunate to have you as an instructor, looking forward to my lesson to learn and develop new things.
Let’s Talk,
How can I help you?
Let me know if I can help you begin or continue your musical journey.