Category: Education

This is a different way of practicing scales. It’s based on the principles of rhythm outlined in James Thurmond’s “Note Grouping” and David McGill’s “Sound In Motion.” The inner 8th notes of each bar lead to the downbeat of the next measure. It’s fun to play this with piano accompaniment. Teachers can play simple block… Continue reading Musical Scales

Here is a quick tonguing exercise that I use to stay in shape. It works for all wind instruments. The goal is to practice tonguing all notes on the instrument with clarity, rhythmic accuracy, and pitch accuracy. It can be completed in 2-3 minutes. Again, I always do this with a tuner and a metronome.… Continue reading Tonguing Exercise

Here is a quick long tone warm-up that I practice daily. This is largely borrowed from Steven Stusek and others. The idea is to play every note on your instrument in tune with a tuner and with a good sound. It can be expanded into the altissimo range. The starting note can be varied each… Continue reading Saxophone Long Tone Warmup

Here are a series of exercises designed to teach swing 8ths and standard jazz articulation. swingconcept.pdf

I’ve searched the internet for the best saxophone lessons by reputable saxophone teachers. This is what I’ve found: Dr. Eugene Rousseau – Steps to Excellence Video Find all of the segments from this video on Rousseau’s website: http://www.eugene-rousseau.com/discussions.htm