Saxophone Course Topics

01: Body Placement
How to align the saxophone with your body to create the least amount of tension in your hands, neck and throat.

02: Embouchure
How I work on playing with a relaxed and healthy embouchure.

03: Warming Up/Overtones
How I ease into playing each day. Different overtone exercises I’ve enjoyed over the years. Includes tips for those just getting started with overtones and harmonics.

04: Technique
My approach to technique and speed.

05: Altissimo
How I work on altissimo. Includes a comprehensive chart and demonstration of my altissimo fingerings from high F# up to double high G.

06: Articulation
Different ways to work on tongue control and articulation speed.

07: Sound Expansion
Some techniques that have helped me over the years to expand my sound and projection.

08: Tuning
How I work on tuning and intonation. Includes exercises you can do alone and with friends.

09: Reeds
I have tried many approaches to reed care and preparation. Here I show you all of these techniques including several I have learned from master musicians.

10: EFX Setup
For those of you interested in incorporating effects pedals into your playing. I talk about different microphone and amplification options and show and demonstrate my current setup.

11: Circular Breathing
How I do it and how I work on it and why!

12: Recording
What microphones I use when recording in the studio and playing live. What I’ve learned over the years about getting a good sound in the studio.

13: Gear and Equipment
An in-depth interview about saxophone equipment with repairman and inventor Kim Bock, owner of KB Saxophone Services. We talk about necks, key heights, end rings and lots of other tricks of the trade to get your saxophone to play at its best.

14: Mouthpieces
An interview with mouthpiece maker Matt Marantz about refacing, old pieces, metal and hard rubber, tip openings and so much more.

15: MPC Pop Test
A simple test every sax player should know.

16: Tooth Guard Or No Tooth Guard
The advantages and pitfalls of using or not using a tooth guard.

17: The World Of Neckstraphs
Here I discuss some of the many options out there and what I try and avoid in a neckstrap.