Dr. Isaac López is making a name for himself as a crossover classical/jazz saxophonist. Growing up in Northern California, Isaac began his career at age 10 learning to play the saxophone by ear in his father’s Latin-Rock band. His parents encouraged his musical aspirations by providing him private lessons with a local saxophonist, Cathy Ettle. Ms. Ettle, a classically trained saxophonist, was able to push Isaac and hone his sound and technique to the point where he was placing 1st chair in county, regional, and state-wide honor bands. Isaac then attended the University of the Pacific and received a dual bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Music Management. It was at UOP that he studied under the renowned saxophonist with the San Francisco Symphony, David Henderson. Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, Isaac had the pleasure of studying with Albert Julia at the Conservatori Liceu and upon his return to the states, helped premiere a new work by Spanish composer, David Salleras, in Las Vegas. Highlights of his time at UOP include the master classes he performed in with the Imani Winds quartet, Premiere Saxophone Quartet, and the San Francisco Saxophone Quartet. Isaac also held the title for music director of his fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Outside of his studies, Isaac was making use of his Management degree by performing in and managing his avant-garde/rock band, “Ship of Foolz,” with whom he recorded and distributed an album. Isaac recently completed his Masters in Performance and is currently finishing his Doctorate at the University of Southern California studying under: James Rotter, Douglas Masek (both of whom are Los Angeles Philharmonic saxophonists), Dr. Christopher Bartz, and Dr. Jessica Maxfield. In addition to classical lessons, Isaac studied with jazz professors: Greg Johnson, Bob Sheppard, and Jason Goldman. During his time at USC, Isaac received master classes from Dr. Timothy McAllister, the Kronos Quartet, Dr. Eric Lau, and Todd Reiwoldt. A highlight at USC has been his time spent working with Professor Aaron Serfaty as the TA for ALAJE, the Afro Latin American Jazz Ensemble. Outside of his studies, Isaac performed on tour with the Hear Now Ensemble where he performed new, avant-garde works in various venues, universities, and at Disney Hall’s RedCat. Isaac, most recently, has been composing, arranging, and performing original music with his Latin/Soul band, “Korduroy,” which has recorded an EP, opened a music festival for Poncho Sanchez, and is now working towards a full length album. Isaac is greatly looking forward to making the most of his final year in school and in the greater Los Angeles music community.