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 get a quick boost and start practicing right away.
Music Practice Tip #1
Of the 5 music practice tips, this quick exercise should be done every day.
Music Practice Tip #2
Every one needs to practice long tones, but this tip is a variation that you can add to your practice routine.
Music Practice Tip #3
This next tip is really for all instrumentalists who play jazz. Every single person I interviewed for the Everything Saxophone Podcast does this every week…
Music Practice Tip #4
This one simple tip will make your “wrong” notes sound right when improvising jazz.
Music Practice Tip #5
Of all the 5 music practice tips, this last one uses a concept that will help focus and inspire you when practicing.
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Great Practice Tips. Thanks for the encouragement and motivation.
Thanks, Tim, and I’m glad the article was helpful.
Great tips, I need to change rooms.
Thanks Donna Great tips !
Great – glad they helped 🙂
Merry Meet,
Some great tips for sure, , , , , i find doing deep breathing excersices extremely beneficial, , , , , i usually start doing them about 4 – 6 hours before playing, , , , , ,
When warming up , , , i tune up, , , then go through the notes chromatically , , , ,, not only does this allow me to work on tonal quality, , , it ensures there are no sticking keys, , , , which are not usually a problem anyway, , , ,
I play in a comunity orchestra, , , , this has been amazing at developing skills and dynamics, , , this has given me skills that i would not have otherwise, , , , , i also play in a jazz group and we do quite a lot of improvisation , , , another area that has grown skills, , , ,and i play in an Alternative group, , , ,this encourages me to think outside of the square, , , ,and some interesting things happen, , ,
I also find improvising to the local jazz radio station useful, , ,, , you don’t know what the next song is or the key that it is in, , , , ,so you need to work that out pretty quick, , , ,, , very useful if you are doing a jam or open mic somewhere, ,
I do believe in practicing/playing about 5 days out of 7, , , having one day off at least, , , , this keeps the enthusiasm happening, , , , ,
Love the videos and the useful tips, , , , keep them coming, , , , ,they are great
Thanks Tara for sharing.
Me too.
Hi. Re the classical music. I bought a tenor in 1963 aged 18 – by chance a MkVI. On my first lesson with a top semi-pro player he gave me the Otto Langey sax tutor. Bit strange, I had only listened to Rock and Surf sax. But I really liked it – full of classical and military music. Certainly gets technique up and running – especially the duets. Also told me to buy a Stan Getz (never heard of him) LP. Went to him for six months then he passed me on to his old teacher – one of the best in the UK – for two years.
Moral: Get the best teacher available, maybe one lesson instead of two to afford it. When you are ready they will pass you on to a rehearsal band or such.
PS: Your tips are all worthwhile – students take note!
Thanks Dex 🙂
Donna, this question I have is not exactly on topic with regard to the video, but I would really like to know; how does someone like you who plays both sax and trumpet even manage to do that when the embouchure on a trumpet or other brass family instrument is so different than saxophones. I’ve been playing sax for almost 30 years (not exactly a pro player, but do some good oldies stuff in the duo with my wife). I own a trumpet but have no endurance whatsoever and I’m lucky if my embouchure lasts even 20 minutes on a trumpet. I’ve pretty well given up on trumpet now and concentrate on sax because that’s where I’ve invested most of my time, along with accordion, keyboards and piano.
Hi Neil,
Like with one instrument, it is just a matter of practicing.
When I taught in public schools, I would need to go back and forth, so the act of doing that over time helped me adjust.
Nice and brief, thanks but:
(1) you didn’t explain what a deep breathing exercise is (excuse my ignorance)
and
(2) how can I possibly do a long tone for 20 minutes – is that what you meant? can one sneak a breath while keeping the tone going?
With the 20 minute long tone exercise, yes, you take short breaks every few minutes.
Thanks for the useful tips, Donna.
Please can you explain how to do the deep breathing exercises?
Charley
These are exercises I do with my Inner Circle Coaching students and my Get a Killer Saxophone Tone course students.
Thank you for sharing these exercises which will improve my playing and
desire to continue playing the saxophone.
You’re welcome 🙂
https://bulletproofmusician.com is a webpage run by a psychologist who was originally a Julliard student. He has a lot to say about practicing, auditions, stage fright, etc
Yes I am very aware – I am on his mailing list. He does extensive research into those topics you mentioned.
We have similar philosophies.
I am an 81 year old still trying to get what is in my head out through the horn similar to Charlie rouse or Lester. Thanks for tips
You’re welcome and glad to help 🙂
Hi Donna. Thanks for all your sharing. A few weeks back I took a 1937 Conn 6M VII & played it in a large sea cave. A really good learning experience. Firstly it awakened me to the greater breadth of tone the sax was capable of. Secondly it made me aware that an audience (of 2) were hearing different qualities in the sound than the me, the player. And thirdly & perhaps most importantly it made me realize how integral & influential a particular practice space is in the way it limits or inspires my playing.
That third point is pretty profound and very true!