Saxophonist Megan O’Donnell | Teen Jazz Artist

[twocol_one] Setup/Gear/Manufacturer of Instruments: I play on a Yamaha tenor sax with Vandoren Java 2.5, a Selmer clarinet with Rico Reserve 3 reeds, and a Selmer bass clarinet with Rico Reserve 3 reeds for classical and Vandoren Java 2.5 tenor reeds for jazz. Doubles Clarinet (7 years), Bass Clarinet (6 years)[/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last] Saxophonist Megan O’Donnell …

Saxophonist John Graham Parker | Teen Jazz Artist

[twocol_one] Setup/Gear/Manufacturer of Instruments: I have a Yahama Alto Sax and an International Woodwind Curved Soprano Sax. Why did you begin studying music? I always loved the saxophone’s sound. In fifth grade when I was offered to take either band or choir, my mom wanted me to take choir because my brother did it. I …

Saxophonist Shannon Kennedy | Teen Jazz Artist & Founder

[twocol_one] Setup/Gear/Manufacturer of Instruments: Yamaha 875 black lacquer tenor and alto, Rheuben Allen curved soprano, Rheuben Allen baritone saxophone See the rest of my setup here. Why did you begin studying music? I began studying music because I was inspired by a performance by the music faculty at my elementary school. Each of the teachers …

Review of the BG France Duo Ligature

To start out, I want to let you know that I have been playing the same setup on my alto for several years now. Even when I’ve changed my mouthpiece, reeds or ligature, I have always tended to go back to my Beechler mouthpiece, Rico Plasticover Reeds and Ishimori ligature. No matter how much I …

College Auditions Preparation for Saxophonists

This is a guest post from James Barrera, saxophone instructor at Cal State University Long Beach. Having been involved with younger sax players for well over a decade now, (yes, a few grey hairs have shown up) I think one of the most confusing, and important thing in a high school age musician’s life are …

Saxophone Mouthpiece Buying Tips

So you’re looking for a new mouthpiece and you’ve found the process to be overwhelming. The selection is enormous and you just don’t know where to start. If this sounds like you, then you are in the right place. This article is here to help you simplify and de-stress (as opposed to distress) the mouthpiece …

Saxophone Playing Tips and Practice Suggestions

Articulation and Style When playing jazz, think of swung 8th notes as a triplet subdivision. Accent downbeats (not heavily, but enough to help with the time and feel). With difficult passages, this will help you maintain a steady pulse. Tongue with the middle of your tongue, not the very tip. Technique Always touch the pearls …

“Must Knows” for the Advanced Saxophonist

We’ve compiled a short collection of tips for the advanced saxophonist (someone with two years or more of experience). If you feel anything is missing from this article, please feel free to let us know in the comments! You can also read our tips for the beginning saxophonist here. What should you keep in your …

“Must Knows” for the Beginning Saxophonist

We’ve compiled a short collection of tips for the beginning saxophonist (someone with two years or less of experience). If you feel anything is missing from this article, please feel free to let us know in the comments! You can also read our tips for the advanced saxophonist here. What should you have in your …

Basic Saxophone Repair

This article is part of a series of repair articles written Rheuben Allen. Here are a few tips for basic saxophone repair. Removing the Bounce in Your Low C Key: In order to remove the bounce in the low C key of a saxophone, you must first move the spring out from under the arm …