B i o g r a p h y
​My name is Jose Bernardez (BMus, PGDip, MA - Royal Academy of Music). I discovered the passion for the saxophone at a young age when I began my musical journey at the Galician High School of Music (EAEM) before continuing my studies at the "Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Vigo." These early years saw me combining the studies with regional performances alongside the humble "Banda de Música Cultural da Estrada," the local wind band from my hometown, where I gained my very first early experiences as a performer.​​
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In my early twenties, I moved to Madrid to continue my saxophone studies under the renowned master, Andres Gomis. I trained at the "Conservatorio Profesional de Musica Angel Arias Macein" and the "Conservatori Superior de Musica de les Illes Balears" where I gained valuable experience touring with the Saxophone Ensemble and contributing to projects led by the International Saxophone Studio, a leading institution in international saxophone education.​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A significant turning point in my career came when I joined the Five O´clock Big Band performing weekly at the Jazz Voyeur Club alongside legendary saxophonist Malcolm "Molly" Duncan (Dire Straits and Eric Clapton). This marked my first venture into the world of Jazz saxophone.
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In my mid-twenties co-founded the "Vortex Temporum Ensemble," a saxophone quartet dedicated to contemporary and modern music. The quartet earned several Music Awards and recognitions, including the Hazen Intercentros Music Award (Honour Mention), the Art Jove Chamber Music Award, and the prestigious Montserrat Alavedra International Music Performance Award. These accolades opened the door to study with jazz saxophonist Dave O´Higgins at the London College of Creative Media, where I expanded my musical language in funk, blues, Indie Rock, and Soul music.
​I reached a significant milestone when I was accepted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London where I earned my Master's Degree in Arts and Saxophone Performance, graduating with honours. The time at the Royal Academy led to collaborations with artists such as Sir Elton John and performances with leading orchestras and ensembles including the LPO, London Contemporary Orchestra, Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, Azalea Ensemble, Manson Ensemble, and London Sinfonietta. I also worked under celebrated conductors like Sir Colin Davis, Neeme Järvi, Paavo Järvi, Sir Simon Rattle, Yan Pascal Tortellier, and Susanna Mälkki, and appeared at international music festivals such as the Musica Riva Festival (Italy) and the Geneva Music Festival (Switzerland).​​​​​​​​
​​​​​Throughout my career I was lucky enough to have received guidance from prominent saxophone masters, including Claude Delangle (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris), Andres Gomis Mora (Alfonso X el Sabio University - UAX - Madrid), Marie Bernadette Charrier (Selmer artist and Honorary Member of the French Association of Saxophonists), Richard Addison (Royal Academy of Music London), Dave O´Higgins (London College of Creative Media), and Alan Barnes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Today I share all that experience through my Saxophone Teaching Studio in central London where I try my very best to help students of all levels to discover their voice on the instrument and to grow as musicians.