Xale Clayton Slusser

I’m Xale Slusser, a Los Angeles–based bassoonist and oboist with degrees in performance, composition, and ethnomusicology from Ohio Northern University, the California Institute of the Arts, and UCLA. I teach Bassoon and Oboe (all levels) as well as Saxophones (SATB) and Clarinets (Sopranino–Contra Alto).

While my formal studies are in double reeds and piano, I actively perform and teach saxophone and clarinet from the perspective of a working multi-instrumentalist and professional doubler. I work especially well with beginners, high school musicians, adult hobbyists, and players transitioning from another instrument. Having switched to double reeds myself, I understand the mechanics — and mental shifts — required to build strong fundamentals.

As a performer, I have worked with regional symphonies, wind ensembles, opera companies, and international orchestras, appearing in concert halls in the United States, Mexico, and Italy. My background includes orchestral, chamber, contemporary, opera, and studio work, and I bring that real-world performance experience into every lesson. Students benefit not just from pedagogy, but from insight shaped by active professional playing.

My lessons are structured, positive, and individualized. I focus on tone, breath control, physical awareness, and building practice habits that create independence. I’ll always tell you what you’re doing well — and exactly how to improve what isn’t working.

Students who thrive with me:
  • Practice consistently
  • Are willing to play openly and take feedback
  • Want to understand their instrument, not just get through notes

I teach from one core method book per instrument, supplement with custom-written exercises targeting common weaknesses, and help online students improve their recording setup using a free DAW so they can hear real progress over time.