New Student Info
Welcome to Saeger Studios! Whether you are a complete beginner excited to play your first notes or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, I’m glad you’re here. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about lessons, scheduling, rates, locations, and what makes Saeger Studios different.
Lesson Locations
I currently teach out of my home studio in San Diego 92129 (contact for exact address), as well as in the band room at Mount Carmel High School (9550 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129). If your lesson is at Mount Carmel, feel free to contact me for a map or specific directions to the band room.
In the future, I may also be able to offer lessons at Westview and Del Norte High Schools if there is sufficient interest from students in those areas.
How Scheduling Works
All lessons are scheduled through a simple online booking system on my website. When you become a student, you (or your parent) will create a free account at www.SaegerStudios.com ("Your Account" in the menu bar). If you are requesting weekly lessons email me at SaegerStudios@gmail.com, I will send you a google document requesting your availability. I will then assign a regular weekly time slot based on your preferences and availability.
From your account, you can easily view upcoming lessons, cancel, reschedule, or book additional time. When a cancellation occurs, that slot opens up for another student. Everything — scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations — is handled online for maximum convenience.
Are you local and want to book a Free Trial Lesson (30min in person only)
If you are local and wish to book a lesson in person, then trying a lesson is easy and completely free for first-time students. Simply create a free account on www.SaegerStudios.com ("Your Account" in the menu bar), check my available times by booking a service/lesson, and confirm booking. Pay close attention to the location noted for each slot (home studio or Mount Carmel High School). You won't be billed for this lesson (in person only).
Lesson Types, Rates, and Summer Scheduling
Regular weekly lessons are held in a consistent time slot. If you need to cancel, I encourage you to reschedule or arrange a makeup lesson to keep your preferred slot. Standard rates are:
• 30-minute lesson: $45 cash or + 3%
• 45-minute lesson: $65 cash or + 3%
• 60-minute lesson: $85 cash or + 3%
Makeup lessons, can be rescheduled, or when needed, can be held online via Zoom.
During the summer, scheduling becomes more flexible. You choose your own days and times from all available slots shown online. With lighter school commitments, more morning and early afternoon options are usually available due to my increased availability. With the variability in student/parent and my own schedules, attempting to hold a steady weekly lesson have proven to be difficult. For that reason you are free to choose how varied or consistent you want your lessons during the summer.
Billing and Lesson History
After the first month or two, I will send an invoice with convenient payment options. Your complete lesson history, payments, and upcoming schedule are all stored securely in your online account and can be viewed anytime.
Health and Safety Policy
Your health comes first. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of illness, or especially if you have a cough, please cancel your lesson with no penalty. We can always reschedule once you are feeling better.
Recent Studio Achievements
Saeger Studios reached a new milestone with 22 student acceptances into the California All-State and Southern California Honor Bands. I am incredibly proud of every student who prepared and auditioned. It is safe to say that Saeger Studios is currently one of the most represented private trumpet studios in the entire state of California.
I am also especially proud of several seniors this year who have chosen to pursue music as a major or career. If you or your child is considering college music programs or scholarships (even if music is not the intended major), feel free to reach out. I offer personalized guidance based on real-world experience in the field.
About Tim Saeger and What Makes This Studio Different
I am a native of San Diego and a professional freelance trumpeter with over 20 years of experience. In addition to maintaining a large private studio, I perform regularly with the San Diego Symphony (including as assistant principal during Pops season and as an extra during Masterworks concerts), and I have appeared with them at Carnegie Hall in New York — a personal highlight and bucket-list moment.
Playing the trumpet is not a side job for me. I specialize in trumpet mechanics, particularly embouchure development and adjustment. My students regularly earn spots in All-State and Southern California Honor Bands and receive college scholarships. Most students stay with me for 4–7 years, and my retention rate is nearly 100%. I enjoy the mentorship and and relationship with the family that often comes with such a long history of trumpet lessons. There are no long-term contracts — you are never locked into a set number of lessons.
My commitment to you is simple: I am passionate about teaching and will continue doing this for the rest of my life. The discipline, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills developed through trumpet lessons translate directly to success in school and in life. At the very least, I want every student to find real joy in making music.
I also understand that my performing schedule with the San Diego Symphony occasionally affects availability. I always strive to communicate clearly and find the best ways to serve my students.
Check Out My Playing
To hear examples of my performances and arrangements, visit my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvEWRM-vDhzkP0rQMLGLSg
Thank You
Thank you for considering Saeger Studios. I am truly grateful for the trust families place in me and for the opportunity to share my passion for the trumpet. I look forward to meeting you and helping you (or your child) grow as a musician.