I'm still not practicing every day. However, I have been getting 3 to 4 days a week for several hours. Despite not being able to practice every day, and I am improving. I have noticed some of my old muscle memory is coming back. Some muscle memory is good, and some I need to try … Continue reading Sweet Progress
Leading up to the holidays, I have been making some slow progress in the practice room. For the next couple of days, I will have to put in some quality practice time. I will probably work on some scales and technique-building stuff. My embouchure has been feeling pretty good. I can practice for at least … Continue reading Holiday Practice Schedule
With my new Yamaha tenor sax. I have been playing the Vandoren V16 metal mouthpiece for a couple of years now. When I got it, I was playing on my Allora Paris Series Tenor. The mouthpiece sounded good on the Allora. However, I think it sounds much smoother on the Yamaha, and it was much … Continue reading My Vandoren V16 Metal
I am looking forward to practicing today. I am in the process of memorizing 24 songs I have worked on for over a year. It is important to me to be able to play many of the jazz standards. Usually, from what I remember, at jam sessions, it is usually jazz standards being played. Apart … Continue reading Practicing The Boring Stuff
I hated challenges when I was a kid. And I don't like them anymore as an adult. But in life we always face challenges. And most of the time challenges make us better when we finally overcome them or at least give our best effort. In my case, I love the thing that challenges me … Continue reading Challenge Accepted
Scales Necessary for Improvisation Scales? I remember when I was in high school, learning scales was the last thing on my mind. I would only learn the ones that were required for all-district band tryouts, and subsequent competitions. My junior year in high school we got new band directors; two sax players and one trombone … Continue reading Scales
I have had my new Tenor Sax for about a month now. I have been practicing about every other day or so. I have been working on scales, some long tones, and doing a little bit of jazz improvisation. It is happening slowly but the muscles of my embouchure are strengthening. I am no longer … Continue reading Trying to Get into Sax Shape
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