Do you try to use licks in solos, but your mind goes blank when it’s your time to perform? Or maybe you’re not exactly sure what to play during a section of a tune, so you try to force a lick into that spot but it doesn’t quite work out? A common belief is that […]
How to Start a Solo; Three-part series to sound like a pro
July 22, 2019 By 2 Comments
One of the biggest challenges when improvising is how to start a solo. You may be thinking… What can I play that would sound hip? What notes should I start on? Should I do a whole bunch of fast notes or start off slow? Should I start on a high note or low note? …and […]
Five Music Practice Tips that Will Motivate You to Practice
April 15, 2019 By 4 Comments
This past week, I ran a 5-day music practice challenge with daily tips to get you inspired, excited and motivated to practice your instrument more. Each day was a different tip and a different topic. And I did something I had never done before…. I made each video under 2 minutes! This way, you could […]
Saxophone Overtones; How to play them and why we use them
April 3, 2019 By 7 Comments
How many times has someone said to you, practice your saxophone overtones? So you go to attempt to play them, but immediately get stuck. Certain pitches come out great but others are impossible. And then you start wondering why you are practicing them in the first place, other than you were told to do so. […]
Scale practice; How and what to practice to build your saxophone technique
February 9, 2019 By 1 Comment
One of the most effective ways to build saxophone technique is through scale practice. Scales are the building blocks for all music genres, and help build vocabulary and ear training skills. Scales also include arpeggios, which are the individual pitches that make up chords. Chord practice is vital for hearing the chord changes in jazz […]
The Musical Instrument Museum; A gem for musicians of all ages
January 7, 2019 By 4 Comments
I couldn’t believe the multitude of musical instruments I saw at the Musical Instrument Museum. And how certain brass and woodwind instruments evolved over the centuries and continents. That’s what you’ll see and hear and more at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the Holidays this past Christmas, I got the chance to […]
Saxophone Neck Strap Review – Nov 2018
November 19, 2018 By 4 Comments
A good quality saxophone neck strap is not only important for maintaining good posture, but also for preventing neck, shoulder and back pain. I’ve reviewed some neck straps in the past, but the ones I review here are one I would wholeheartedly recommend for a person of any age, any size and any ability. (Side […]
Three Tips for a Successful Rehearsal
June 18, 2018 By 4 Comments
Are you rehearsing or practicing? There’s a huge difference between the two, and that’s what separates the pros from the amateurs. Watch the video below to discover that difference and for tips to make your next rehearsal a success. Three tips for a successful rehearsal 3 Tips for a Successful Rehearsal Get the recordings beforehnad […]
Want to learn tunes? Don’t Make These 3 Mistakes
June 11, 2018 By 4 Comments
Everyone wants to learn tunes. Some want to learn the Jazz Standards, some want to learn cover songs, others church songs. But if you’re not careful, you can wind up actually making these 3 mistakes that make it harder to learn the tune in the first place. Watch the video below to learn the best […]
How to improve your saxophone technique
March 12, 2018 By 4 Comments
One of the many questions I get asked is, “How do I improve my saxophone technique?” Technique, when playing any musical instrument is extremely important in order to play your favorite pieces and also express a message you are trying to say through your music. Of course, if you don’t have a beautiful tone to […]
