NICK MAINELLA
Saxophonist & Educator
Hi, I’m Nick Mainella.
I’m a saxophonist, educator, and creator of practical jazz learning resources. I help jazz students cut through the noise and focus on what really makes a difference in their playing. Whether you’re just starting out, coming back music after a break, or looking to deepen your understanding of jazz, you’ll find everything I offer right here — no secrets, no nonsense, just tools to help you grow and enjoy the music more.
Ways to Learn & Connect With Me:
🎥 YouTube Channel
Free weekly lessons, exercises, and performances to keep you inspired and moving forward.
👉 Subscribe on YouTube
🎙 The 10 Minute Jazz Lesson
Bite-sized jazz wisdom you can take straight into the practice room. With over 450 episodes, it’s one of the most trusted jazz podcasts out there.
👉 Listen to the Podcast
📚 eBooks
Concise guides packed with clear explanations and practice material. Perfect for when you want quick wins and a structured path to improvement.
👉 Browse eBooks
🎬 Video Courses
Step-by-step training programs that go deeper than YouTube or books. Each course is designed to help you do the work — building muscle memory, ears, and confidence with the jazz language.
👉 View Courses
🎵 The Jazz Intensive Mentorship Community
My flagship program. A vibrant group of players who support each other, dig into the music, and meet live every week. You’ll get direct coaching from me, a clear path for growth, and the kind of community every jazz musician needs.
👉 Learn More About The Jazz Intensive
🎷 Private Lessons with Me
Work one-on-one to focus on your unique goals. Whether it’s technique, improvisation, or getting unstuck in your practice, private lessons give you tailored support.
👉 Book a Lesson
However you like to learn — podcasts, videos, books, or live mentorship — I’ve created something to help you.
Pick the path that feels right, and let’s make your jazz journey fun, clear, and inspiring.
Mickey from Chicago:
"I’d taken lessons and studied basic harmony on my own, with unsatisfactory results. Nick's lessons have improved my playing and knowledge of jazz enormously. I heartily endorse him to anyone who is serious about learning jazz"
Bruce from NH:
"Tried lessons with three different professionals, ended up working exclusively with Nick. My first lesson with Nick was two years ago, my development as a player has exceeded all of my, and friends, expectations. I highly recommend ”
Dan from Boston:
"Nick treats the teaching as seriously as he treats the music, and the quality of his lessons and the impact on my playing is real. He's always able to convert the gaps in my playing -- whether they are technical, theoretical or artistic -- into crystal clear exercises that many books are simply missing."