testimonials
"Mr. Hickman is absolutely the best! His positivity and patience make you feel so comfortable. He helps you work through music step by step and allows you to build your confidence. The fun energy he brings make lessons something you look forward too. He is an amazing teacher and I am so glad I got to experience working with him."
Amaya
Student
"I have been taking clarinet lessons with Kingsley for about 4 years since 2022, and my musical abilities have greatly improved ever since I started. Kingsley is an incredibly patient, considerate, and thoughtful teacher. Several different aspects of playing, such as embouchure, air, and the parts of the instrument, were all covered through these lessons and contributed to my improvements. I’ve learned how to resolve the issues I came across in my playing, and Kingsley has helped me successfully prepare for several auditions for school and honor bands. The lessons I’ve taken with him have been very helpful to my experience in band at school as well, and this was possible only because Kingsley always pushes me to try my best. After several years as his student, I can confidently recommend Kingsley as a teacher for anyone who is looking to further improve their playing!"
Chloe
Student
"I have been Kingsley’s student for 9 months and he has been a MASSIVE help. In the beginning, he corrected me on everything: counting, the way I put my lip on the reed, my seating posture and which muscles to use... I can go on for hours. Though the list of corrections is long, he did it in the kindest way possible, and these corrections definitely enhanced my saxophone playing. After one lesson, my mom complimented me on how I now sounded."
Jeremy
Student
"I met Kingsley in 2019, in his capacity as Woodwinds Specialist at Redwood Middle School, where my son, then aged 12, was a bassoon and flute player in the school band. My son was interested in learning the saxophone, and initially tried the alto sax, but Kingsley quickly realized he would be better suited for, and enjoy, playing the tenor sax. Kingsley's instinct was spot on and with little effort but a lot of encouragement from Kingsley, in no time at all my son was playing the tenor sax - pretty impressively!
Shortly after, I swallowed my apprehension and asked Kingsley whether he would be able to help me pick up the flute again, despite a 30-plus-year gap. A few lessons later, having started with exercises in tone, with Kingsley's positive feedback and guidance I could hear the difference in my playing and pretty soon we were playing simple duets together, much to my delight!
Kingsley possesses not only an inherent love of music but also an understanding of the importance of fundamental elements, both of which he is able to transfer to his students. He is patient, an excellent communicator and able to 'connect'. He continuously identifies and seizes opportunities to enhance his own skills as a teacher and as a musician, and shares new developments with his students. He is genuinely excited about helping each student reach their fullest potential in their musical journey. Most importantly, he makes learning fun.I would highly recommend Kingsley to anyone at any proficiency level interested in the saxophone, clarinet or flute."
Shortly after, I swallowed my apprehension and asked Kingsley whether he would be able to help me pick up the flute again, despite a 30-plus-year gap. A few lessons later, having started with exercises in tone, with Kingsley's positive feedback and guidance I could hear the difference in my playing and pretty soon we were playing simple duets together, much to my delight!
Kingsley possesses not only an inherent love of music but also an understanding of the importance of fundamental elements, both of which he is able to transfer to his students. He is patient, an excellent communicator and able to 'connect'. He continuously identifies and seizes opportunities to enhance his own skills as a teacher and as a musician, and shares new developments with his students. He is genuinely excited about helping each student reach their fullest potential in their musical journey. Most importantly, he makes learning fun.I would highly recommend Kingsley to anyone at any proficiency level interested in the saxophone, clarinet or flute."
Leonie
Parent & Adult Student
"My older son started playing the saxophone when he was in the 6th grade and wanted to improve his skill of playing the saxophone when he got into the 7th grade. I remember the day when he met Kingsley at middle school and came to talk to me about him with excitement. Fortunately, Kingsley offered teaching him with a reasonable lesson fee, so my son could continue to practice and improve his skills. Kingsley helped my son with a preparation for an audition, and my son made the Ventura County Honor Band at his 8th grade. It was an exciting and happy experience for our family, too!
Later, my younger son also started to take lessons with Kingsley. In the beginning, it was challenging for him to catch up the lessons, but Kingsley taught him patiently. He made Ventura County Honor Band in his 7th and 8th grade years, and the California All State Honor Band in 8th grade! My son hadn't thought about applying to the All State Honor Band at the time, but Kingsley encouraged him to try. My son has enjoyed listening to Kingsley’s performances and playing duets at lessons with Kingsley. Kingsley’s music is beautiful, which motivates my son furthermore.
During this pandemic year, my son had lost his motivation and didn't want to practice for a while. Kingsley encouraged him to try the All Southern California Honor Band. Practicing with Kingsley, my son made it. I appreciate how passionate and patient Kingsley has been all the time. He definitely changed my sons lives! We want to take lessons with him as long as we can!!"
Later, my younger son also started to take lessons with Kingsley. In the beginning, it was challenging for him to catch up the lessons, but Kingsley taught him patiently. He made Ventura County Honor Band in his 7th and 8th grade years, and the California All State Honor Band in 8th grade! My son hadn't thought about applying to the All State Honor Band at the time, but Kingsley encouraged him to try. My son has enjoyed listening to Kingsley’s performances and playing duets at lessons with Kingsley. Kingsley’s music is beautiful, which motivates my son furthermore.
During this pandemic year, my son had lost his motivation and didn't want to practice for a while. Kingsley encouraged him to try the All Southern California Honor Band. Practicing with Kingsley, my son made it. I appreciate how passionate and patient Kingsley has been all the time. He definitely changed my sons lives! We want to take lessons with him as long as we can!!"
Tomoko
Parent
"The reason I went to Kingsley was to introduce my third-grade classes to symphonic music. Knowing Kingsley had started his love of music in elementary school, I found it beneficial for my students to hear his story.
My students learned that there is more to music than just one instrument. I found Kingsley gave them ample knowledge of each instrument and that it is okay to fail and try other instruments to be successful. I loved this the most, because it shows students that even with failure, one can continue to find their place and be successful.
Kingsley was very patient with my students. He answered every question with insightful answers and made my students want to learn more. If you are considering Kingsley for music, you could not find a better fit for your children. The kindness and respect he showed my students was amazing. I am looking forward to many more years of having Kingsley visit and show my students his love of music and how it spreads throughout a lifetime."
My students learned that there is more to music than just one instrument. I found Kingsley gave them ample knowledge of each instrument and that it is okay to fail and try other instruments to be successful. I loved this the most, because it shows students that even with failure, one can continue to find their place and be successful.
Kingsley was very patient with my students. He answered every question with insightful answers and made my students want to learn more. If you are considering Kingsley for music, you could not find a better fit for your children. The kindness and respect he showed my students was amazing. I am looking forward to many more years of having Kingsley visit and show my students his love of music and how it spreads throughout a lifetime."
Christine
Teacher
"We met Kingsley through the Conejo Valley Summer Music Camp and was immediately drawn to his musicianship and ability to connect with the kids. Kingsley teaches alto sax to our 8th grader and was a blessing during quarantine. He kept Nick engaged with alto sax through structured lessons and a great deal of empathy. Kingsley pushes and has high expectations but is also realistic about the challenges of learning an instrument at a young age.
Kingsley is an excellent resource to provide structure that the school systems do not - he looks ahead to honor band and all-state auditions as well as holds his own recitals which give students an additional goal. For students looking for more than the middle or high school band offers in terms of development, Kingsley is an excellent partner in musical development."
Kingsley is an excellent resource to provide structure that the school systems do not - he looks ahead to honor band and all-state auditions as well as holds his own recitals which give students an additional goal. For students looking for more than the middle or high school band offers in terms of development, Kingsley is an excellent partner in musical development."
Tim & Mary Jo
Parents
"Kingsley was recommended by my son’s band teacher at Redwood Middle School. It is my sons first year playing the tenor saxophone and he was struggling to keep up with the rest of the band. We searched all over for a private saxophone instructor, and we are so thankful that we found Kingsley. He has been coming to our house for private lessons twice a week for about a month and my son feels like he is caught up with the rest of the band. He also has felt more confident to play in front of people.
Kingsley is incredibly patient. You can tell that he really enjoys working with his students. He is always on time, prepared and very professional. He communicates with us regularly regarding our son and his feedback is always very helpful. He is an extremely intuitive teacher. We are so thankful for Kingsley and we are excited to see our son progress and find joy in playing the saxophone. Thank you Kingsley!"
Kingsley is incredibly patient. You can tell that he really enjoys working with his students. He is always on time, prepared and very professional. He communicates with us regularly regarding our son and his feedback is always very helpful. He is an extremely intuitive teacher. We are so thankful for Kingsley and we are excited to see our son progress and find joy in playing the saxophone. Thank you Kingsley!"
Nicole
Parent
"Our family met Kingsley in 2019 when my son was at the end of 6th grade at Redwood Middle School. My son Roman played euphonium the first year and then wanted to learn how to play saxophone. We met Kingsley and he started giving Roman lessons on tenor sax. Roman learned how to play tenor sax quickly with Kingsley‘s lessons and we will be always be grateful.
Kingsley also helped Roman with music in joining the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Honor Band. Kingsley helped Roman learn tenor, alto, and finally baritone. Roman has grown to love playing sax so much and we are thankful we had Kingsley along the way. Our family will always highly recommend Kingsley as a saxophone teacher especially for beginners. He is a kind, patient and exceptional teacher and is very talented as well.
Thanks to Kingsley for all his help and guidance teaching Roman and bringing out his talent and passion for playing Sax."
Kingsley also helped Roman with music in joining the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Honor Band. Kingsley helped Roman learn tenor, alto, and finally baritone. Roman has grown to love playing sax so much and we are thankful we had Kingsley along the way. Our family will always highly recommend Kingsley as a saxophone teacher especially for beginners. He is a kind, patient and exceptional teacher and is very talented as well.
Thanks to Kingsley for all his help and guidance teaching Roman and bringing out his talent and passion for playing Sax."
Vanessa
Parent
"Kingsley is a great tutor! I have always struggled with fully understanding math and he really helped break down every part of a problem to help me fully understand what I was doing. If I ever needed help with a homework problem I could always text him and he would help me. Such a great tutor and person!"
Gillian
Student
"I met Kingsley when I was in 5th grade at band camp and he helped me on a very interesting piece of music for a 5th grader. Since 7th grade I’ve been taking lessons with him and he’s helped me grow as a musician as well as with my habits to practice for my private lessons. He’s a very cheerful person and will brighten the cloudiest of days."
Dustin
Student
"Our introduction to Kingsley Hickman began in 2017. Our daughter was auditioning for High School Band and needed one-on-one focused lessons to prepare her for the audition process and chair seating decisions in the band. From the beginning, Kingsley was able to efficiently identify a lesson plan that could be quickly taught and easily adjusted as her ability matured. As a result, she aced her audition and gained a wealth of experience that allowed her to adapt to the expectations of the Band Director.
We again turned to Kingsley when it became obvious that her instrument was inadequate to meet the necessary tonal requirements for her position in the band. His knowledge of music and instrumentation, along with his ability to let her test several instruments prior to a purchase allowed our daughter to gain a keen understanding of the differences between manufacturers and their sound/tonal quality. His assistance in this endeavor was an integral part in ensuring her happiness with the final instrument purchase.
Over the last several years, our relationship with Kingsley has continued to grow and our younger daughter has also become his student. She plays a completely different instrument than her sister, but is equally complimentary of his knowledge, abilities, and teaching approach.
In closing, we would wholeheartedly recommend Kingsley. He is a kind, personable, articulate, honest, helpful person who is consistently available to answer questions from his students or their parents. Becoming one of his students will allow your child to excel on their instrument while gaining a wealth of experience from a patient and understanding music instructor."
We again turned to Kingsley when it became obvious that her instrument was inadequate to meet the necessary tonal requirements for her position in the band. His knowledge of music and instrumentation, along with his ability to let her test several instruments prior to a purchase allowed our daughter to gain a keen understanding of the differences between manufacturers and their sound/tonal quality. His assistance in this endeavor was an integral part in ensuring her happiness with the final instrument purchase.
Over the last several years, our relationship with Kingsley has continued to grow and our younger daughter has also become his student. She plays a completely different instrument than her sister, but is equally complimentary of his knowledge, abilities, and teaching approach.
In closing, we would wholeheartedly recommend Kingsley. He is a kind, personable, articulate, honest, helpful person who is consistently available to answer questions from his students or their parents. Becoming one of his students will allow your child to excel on their instrument while gaining a wealth of experience from a patient and understanding music instructor."
Kim & Chris
Parents
"My son started music tutoring lessons in 2017 and has since grown into a more confident musician with Kingsley’s guidance. He truly has a gift for building his students up and is easy for them to relate to. He has helped my son work through difficult parts he was ready to give up on playing completely.
My son would not be as interested in continuing on with music had he not had Kingsley to look up to and learn from. Thank you for sharing your love for music and knowledge with others."
My son would not be as interested in continuing on with music had he not had Kingsley to look up to and learn from. Thank you for sharing your love for music and knowledge with others."
Heather
Parent