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Jazz Saxophonist • Composer • Educator
David Sharfstein is a passionate saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Jacksonville, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida and a Master’s in Instrumental Performance in Jazz Saxophone from New York University. Drawing on this extensive training, David crafts music that is both emotionally honest and sonically adventurous.
His debut album, New Beginnings, captures the spirit of transformation, reviving long-shelved ideas and shaping them into dynamic, forward-leaning compositions. Blending elements of bebop, Latin, and free jazz, the album showcases a voice that’s both grounded in tradition and constantly evolving. Listeners may hear shades of Sonny Rollins’ melodic inventiveness or Joe Henderson’s harmonic depth, but David’s phrasing and tone are unmistakably his own.
He has studied saxophone with world-renowned artists including Todd DelGiudice, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, Dave Liebman, and Chris Potter, and refined his compositional voice under the guidance of Alan Broadbent and Manuel Valera.
In addition to performing and composing, David is a dedicated educator with a track record of inspiring students across a wide range of ages and abilities. He sees music not just as performance, but as a way to foster connection, curiosity, and self-expression.
Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the studio, David brings a thoughtful, personal approach to every note.
Uptown — The first track from my upcoming album New Beginnings
Live performance highlights featuring cocktail hour repertoire, jazz improvisation, and wedding performances.
Personalized music instruction for students of all ages and skill levels in Jacksonville and online.
David Sharfstein Music Studio offers personalized private music lessons designed around each student's interests, goals, and learning style. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for school band, working toward an audition or performance, or looking to develop advanced musicianship, lessons are tailored to help each student make meaningful progress while enjoying the process of learning music.
Step Up For Students Provider
David Sharfstein Music Studio is a registered Step Up For Students provider, allowing eligible Florida families to use available scholarship funds toward private music instruction. If your family participates in Step Up For Students, please reach out to discuss eligibility, enrollment, and lesson options.
Instruments offered: Saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet, guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele.
Lesson options: In-person lessons throughout Jacksonville and online instruction are available. Lessons are offered for beginners through advanced students and can focus on fundamentals, technique, music theory, reading, improvisation, songwriting, jazz, popular music, and more.
Why study with David?
David is a professional musician and experienced private music instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida and a Master's Degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from New York University. He also holds a Florida K–12 Music Education Teaching Certificate.
While at NYU, David served as a graduate teaching instructor, teaching undergraduate students in jazz and popular piano. He has also studied with renowned musicians including Chris Potter, Dave Liebman, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, and Todd DelGiudice.
His teaching approach combines strong musical fundamentals with practical, engaging instruction. Students can learn their favorite songs, build confidence, strengthen technique, prepare for school or performances, develop improvisation skills, or simply discover the enjoyment of playing an instrument.
Interested in lessons? Contact David for pricing, scheduling, availability, and additional information.
Lesson lengths: 30, 45, and 60-minute private lessons are available.
Location: In-home lessons are available throughout Jacksonville, with online lessons also available.
Students: Instruction is available for children, teens, and adults, from complete beginners through advanced musicians.
Scheduling: Lessons are scheduled individually based on student and family availability. Flexible scheduling is available for homeschool families and students with changing schedules.
Step Up For Students: David Sharfstein Music Studio is a registered Step Up For Students provider. Eligible Florida families may be able to use scholarship funds toward private music instruction.
Ready to get started? Contact David to ask about current availability, pricing, and scheduling.
“My son has been taking flute lessons with David for over six months, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. David is always on time, friendly, patient, and does a wonderful job explaining each lesson in a way that's easy to understand. He has created such a positive learning environment, and it's been amazing to watch my son's playing skills and confidence grow under his guidance. We are so grateful we found David and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent music teacher!”
“My kids and I have LOVED having Mr. David as their piano and ukulele teacher. He has vast musical knowledge and plays several different instruments, which I feel like gives him such an edge as a music teacher. He inspires my kids to keep learning when they hear him play beautiful snippets of songs. He makes the lessons fun by doing improvisation with them. He’s good at communicating and has been flexible with our schedule when I need it. Oh, also, he comes to our house for the lessons — lifesaver with younger kids and a busy schedule! The guy just knows what he’s doing. 10/10!”
“We used David for drum lessons for my 8-year-old son and he was great! He was very patient and incorporated songs that my son likes into the lessons so that it was fun and kept him interested. Would recommend!”
“David is great with kids and has great patience! He really listens to the kids during piano lessons and gets to know them while teaching. Great to have in-home lessons!”
For lesson inquiries, performance bookings, or additional information, please reach out by phone or email.