0-10 years of playing the saxophone

[@ConnorJazz]

Pretty sure that's Tenderly

[@FoolishFrankie]

Omggg you’re right!! Thank you so much. I literally hadn’t figured it out and I filmed this a few weeks ago!

[@237Films]

YES I WAS GONNA COMMENT THAT! LOL

[@PuppyCrunch2019]

@@FoolishFrankieCMU is near me so I am familiar with the place

[@thesaxman]

Don't put yourself down for starting late (at 14). I started late at 32....and still playing at 72. You are doing all the right stuff.. Self analysis with good ears and focused plactise and expanding your horizons is all to be admired and all you need...your love for the music and entertaining is terrific... Cheers Mate.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh thank you so much that means a lot!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@curantoconchapalele2731]

I needed yo read this so bad. Thank you

[@NateIsGreat]

Ain’t no way you’re 72

[@thesaxman]

@@NateIsGreat Weill I’m living proof…born in 1950 mate…..wish I”d starteed playing in sax in 1964.

[@douglasbohmer2615]

I started late at 35! Never done any music before, and yeah... One of the best things I ever chose to do!

[@SorenMatsuoka]

I have never in my life heard someone sound so good after 10 days

[@FoolishFrankie]

Oh gosh well thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rebeccamouse9294]

Agreed

[@craigster1964]

Meant to be.

[@aidanshelton4491]

Dude the stuff about wishing you had footage of the people you admire early in their music experience is literally me. My teacher can whip out a trumpet in any key and transpose and play anything I might be working on, making it sound pretty good, in like a minute and a half. Theoretically he was once where I am now, but it’s hard to see things that way most of the time.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Yesss exactly. It’s so hard to even picture someone like that sounding like a beginner because they’re so far down the road

[@LukeHuber]

Lol, my band director can pick up any instrument in the room and play the part perfectly except for the double reeds, I've seen him pick up and play a piccolo and tuba within 5 minutes of each other

[@bhj3190]

Loved the video, I'm in grade 11 and I've been playing the sax since grade 7, but I've only been practicing seriously since about the middle of grade 10. It's been really great because of my band teacher who really helps us out, and lots of saxophonists on youtube, you included. Thanks for showing us your progress!

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh that’s awesome! Thanks so much for watching and keep up the good work:)

[@360fishingadventures8]

I'm a junior in high school tenor player, I've been playing about 5.5 years now. Seeing where you're at now vs where I'm at at the same age makes me much more confident that I can truly play at a professional level one day.

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome I’m glad this video is useful!

[@theredcometmsn04]

I’m 14 and started playing sax for my high school band. I was looking around on KZbin looking for people who give tips on playing sax and I found this channel and ever since I’ve been really inspired. I managed to land a solo in our spring concert and it was ok for my first solo on stage. I can only hope to play and sound as good as you one day.

[@0ri883]

loved the story you shared about your ensemble and how you all had language barriers but as soon as the music started you were all on the same wavelength.. so dope! great video thanks for sharing

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh thanks I’m glad you enjoyed it that was a super important musical moment for me!

[@alanhirayama4592]

Alto Madness! Richie Cole visited my high school when I was there, what a player and very laid back guy! RIP Richie.

[@thesaxcafe457]

You started late at 14 …. I started late at 52🤣 Wish I started at 14! The thing to celebrate is not when we started but the fact that we didn’t stop. Well done - you are still playing and I thought you were already good after 3 years. Great video

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh so true!! I appreciate the kind words🙏🏻

[@alanhirayama4592]

Thank you for sharing your progression, excellent improvement in a short amount of time! I started at 15 years old, and have been playing consistently for 45 years, sounding ok but still striving to get better with my sound and playing. It's not the destination, but the journey!

[@FoolishFrankie]

Wow that’s awesome!! Definitely about the journey. I know a saxophonist in his 90s that still practices every day because he wants to improve!

[@tjeffersonb]

I’ve got 4 and a half years under my belt and I gotta admit, the work never really stops. Especially since I’m setting my sights on California All State band in a few months for my 11th grade year. But yeah, I think most of my improvement really happened these last few months when I finally started taking practicing really seriously

[@Anonymous-u8r8j]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but thank you for making me feel better about myself. I have been playing for one and a half years and I am regularly too hard on myself. You are one of the only people showing their real long-term progress on saxophone. Thank you.

[@FoolishFrankie]

❤️

[@TrebleVT]

Really cool video! As someone who’s taken lots of breaks from sax and doesn’t really know how to practice, I’ve always wondered how people meaningfully progress. I see you performed a lot! Maybe that’s a key🙂

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you so much!! And there are definitely some things you can only learn by playing live!🙌🏻

[@charleschedra4808]

I've been playing for 5 years (started seriously at 52) and so far I can relate to the facial expression when hearing oneself play. You are doing great. Your video has motivated me to continue with the journey.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh that’s awesome I’m glad I can inspire and I appreciate you watching!!

[@thanurs]

I’m 15 and I started playing the alto sax (my first instrument) a few months ago at 14 for my marching and jazz band classes, and I hope to grow up to be as good a musician as you are

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh that’s awesome thanks so much!🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@gadohimself]

Dude. I'm 31 and you have inspired me to pick up a saxophone. I've done vocals and 0 instruments my whole life but your vids have really motivated me to get out of my comfort zone 🙏🏽

[@AntiViGames]

As an old person myself we're in the same boat. I'm going to check out some saxophones next week.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh this is so awesome to hear!!!🥺🙏🏻

[@et897]

crazy how good you were in 2 and a half years, nice

[@FoolishFrankie]

Oh gosh I definitely had much improvement to be made 😅🙌🏻

[@corrupted_fawn5885]

Hey!! I started playing sax when I was 12 so that I could join my schools jazz band (7th grade was the first year they had one). I started learning piano when I was 8, flute for concert band when I was 10, and I was in my schools choir when I was 11. So, while I knew musical basics and everything, sax was such a big difference from what I knew. When I started you were such a big inspiration (you’re actually the one who made me want to learn saxophone and not trombone or trumpet, my other options), and you encouraged me to keep practicing and playing. I can still remember how surprised I was when my band teacher put me in the lead sax position after I had only been playing sax for 4 or 5 months. It came so naturally for me, and my love for the instrument is only increasing as I play it more. I still love flute and piano, but sax is definitely my favourite. I have to thank you for that, I’ve found my passion in music and it’s thanks to you.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh this is awesome I’m really glad I could inspire and I appreciate you watching!

[@GRgaray]

I used to study administration but after a deep dive in KZbin + bad decision making I dropped out and entered a music college. These where the kind of videos that inspired me

[@Jonii_X]

Music is the (in my opinion) greatest universal language

[@johnnywesleysaxophone]

*This video helps to calm me down, it shows that learning how to express myself on the saxophone will take a little longer than i would like.*

[@AdeReeves]

sounds better than me at a couple of years in...but left it far too late in life ... still every days a learning day 😂

[@FoolishFrankie]

Never too late especially if you enjoy it!!🙌🏻

[@adrianpaulwynne]

so generous sharing this and great inspiration for all of us working away in the woodshed, thank you

[@FoolishFrankie]

Much love🙏🏻

[@Clement8617]

That's a huge improvement for only 10 years bro. Keep inspiring!

[@FoolishFrankie]

I really appreciate it!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@michaelfujii2765]

I think when you are surprised at how good your flute playing was is how learning another instrument helps your other instruments

[@fluffym1n105]

This inspires me as a guy with a year experience on Sax and going into Music Ed. I feel more comfortable going in and I feel like I can make it into the school.

[@bramblestar2017]

I’ve just started learning saxophone in the last 8 months as a second instrument as I’ve been playing flute for a long time before this. This is really inspirational for me.

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome I’m glad to hear!!🔥

[@emilyrainey4468]

I don’t have talent for an instrument but you are so good even in the beginning and just have gotten better. I love the sound of the saxophone.

[@FoolishFrankie]

I appreciate the kind words🙏🏻

[@russelljazzbeck]

What a wonderful video. I really appreciate you sharing all this, it gives me so much perspective. I'm 39 and I started clarinet 2 years ago. I had zero musical knowledge before that. I practice everyday, I play all the time, and I'm starting to play with friends. I have kinda imagined my progress up to about 5 years and it doesn't seem far off from where you were through those years, so that's nice to see. Also very cool you are playing bluegrass. I am working on learning how to play country clarinet along with a guitar and hope to play fast enough for bluegrass one day. Thanks for sharing.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh this is so awesome to hear!! Glad it was interesting to you and I appreciate you watching!🙌🙏🏻

[@dianaaps7326]

Thank you for sharing your progress! I got here because I'm looking for flute learning progression, and your learning process is totally different cause this doesn't include the 6 months from trying to get an instrument to sound at all, but it is still inspiring. Thank you! I also started at 17 to learn the guitar and only like 20 years did I get to play and actually enjoy it. intermediate I think they call it.

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome! I’m glad this video was useful. Everyone is on their own path, just keep working at it:)

[@kintorey1195]

You have improved a lot playing the saxophone, and your progress has been very fast. You have a natural talent for it. Good video ^_^

[@FoolishFrankie]

I appreciate it Kinto and I appreciate you always watching🥺🙏🏻

[@caidencollins7696]

Hey I started in the end of 8th grade too! Late start always has sucked but glad I decided to in the long run.

[@frankversteeg8107]

started 21-07-2020 with my saxophone journey at the age of 50, now 2.5 years later, not even close to where you where at, but i keep practicing... nice compilation

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s great it’s never too late to start especially if you enjoy it!! Keep on practicing🙂

[@martyg374]

Good job, You put the time in. I really started at 15, worked hard , went to Berklee, became high school band director, pro musician, college music educator. Backwards sax photos (18:60) drive me crazy

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome!🙌🏻

[@PokrPro21]

I really respect your dedication to your craft. Thanks for sharing this. It's inspiring to see a youngster not knowing what he was doing to later becoming a seasoned professional. Well done my man! Inspiring! 👏👏👏

[@FoolishFrankie]

This is the whole goal of my channel!! Much love🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@okiedokieartiechokie8458]

You have come a long way, good job buddy ❤❤❤

[@FoolishFrankie]

I appreciate you🙏🏻

[@baconbits3189]

I’m amazed at all the opportunities you were able to perform. I live in Kansas and there’s barely any opportunities to do this stuff. I’ve had to travel a couple hours to some of the stuff I’ve gotten to do.

[@FoolishFrankie]

I’ve definitely been lucky to live near a city!

[@aidanswartz9186]

Dude I’ve been playing for 9 years as a senior in high school I’m nowhere close to where you were at my age, going to college for performance and ed wondering where in the country you grew up. I’m in western New York and I don’t know anyone with your talent. I’ve made all county and nysma (conference Allstate) man congrats on everything man.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Hey thanks so much!! Everyone is on their own path and learns at a different pace so don’t compare yourself too much! I grew up in Pittsburgh (still live there). Thanks so much for watching🙏🏻

[@craigster1964]

“Started late” That kills me. I’m 60 and just reached 2nd anniversary!! 🎉 Started after being ill. This vid has been a real insight for me. Love all the vids.

[@minfan1496]

Already at that level in only 2 years?! wow!

[@volatilefish3908]

I didn't start playing sax since the end of 7th grade, its been 8 months now, im now the 3rd best alto out of five in my band, anything is possible

[@mr.esfusioncollect8494]

I've been playing for 3 months (at 20 years old), this gives me lots of hope.

[@FoolishFrankie]

You can do it!!

[@withouthalfbad]

most underrated musician youtuber

[@FoolishFrankie]

You’re too kind🙏🏻

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good night congrats you did not start late .I started at twenty four years old and still playing now thirty nine years later. Keep practising you will get better.

[@lewismingledorff6417]

Very entertaining and interesting. Keep them coming! You listen with a "technical" ear. My untrained ear appreciates and enjoys even your earliest efforts.

[@FoolishFrankie]

I appreciate the kind words🙏🏻

[@Cabo_Music]

Bro as a sax learner I really enjoy all your vids! It helps me endure the process of learning and trying to go along with giging as well! thanks!

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you I’m glad!🙏🏻

[@DionteGeorgeMusic]

Very cool and inspiring to see the journey. Thank you for share and here's to many more years of playing!

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you so much!!🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@DolphScreamingSax]

Wow, how reassuring to see someone else, who's street lengths ahead of me, coping with all the same issues on his improvement road to perfection. There might be hope for me yet.🙂

[@stillesorrow]

have you every enjoyed candy dulfer.. listen to her improvisation.. there are interesting building blocks there..very underrated master musician 👩‍🎤

[@korina_alex]

I started learning sax in middle school cause I'm in a music school but that means that I didn't practice in the summers and that I missed a lot of lessons during the Quarantine, so practically I've only been playing for about 3years and only this year have I actually taken it seriously

[@razzmatical]

Hey Frankie! This was an awesome video. I've only been playing for 5 years so I've still got a while to go but it was great to see your playing progression. I'd recommend for a video trying out the new alto nexus reeds!! They've actually blown me away. I'd give it a go if I were you xoxo

[@FoolishFrankie]

Hey thanks so much! And I play Boston sax shop which are very similar:)

[@stefanc251]

What change in practising brought you the biggest impact/jump in progress?

[@FoolishFrankie]

Probably just the consistency. I remember a saxophonist that came to my high school said “it’s about taking the horn out of the case when you don’t want to” and that really stuck with me

[@gant73]

I started in 7th grade, but never really practiced until this year. My senior year. I made 1st chair all state and now I keep wondering how much I could have improved if I had practiced even a year earlier. Don't do what I did young ones.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Practicing while you’re young is underrated!

[@hanspeter5372]

Great vid!!! And I like the message of an ever ongoing journey. You often come across comments like wow talented etc and maybe there is something like talent but most important is to stick to the path and practice maybe find good mentors aswell. Very encouraging:)

[@FoolishFrankie]

So true! Thanks for watching🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@briznazty]

The language of music is universal. It's art🎶🎨

[@TechArtRoom]

For those of us from Western PA, you always notice the Volkweins music folders.

[@natthecatt02]

I started playing the trumpet 4 months ago for music, and i thought what you thought was bad was good.

[@FoolishFrankie]

It’s all relative!!

[@syllomusic]

Damn, you got good VERY fast, but long term you really committed to and progressed the learning process into your own style. As a non-wind/reed player, I can't even hear some of the "bad" bits you're picking up on looking back. Cool video.

[@FoolishFrankie]

❤️🙏🏻

[@jakerazmataz852]

They may be cringy to you, but these videos show that if you put in the work, sometimes hard, it pays off. I'm old, when I see the smiles on peoples faces on The Dooo's, and Rob Landes' videos it makes me wish I had learned to play an instrument. 👍

[@FoolishFrankie]

Well I appreciate the kind words!! It’s never too late to start if you enjoy it!

[@zecho3535]

that's tenderly not september in the rain, lovely tune

[@FoolishFrankie]

Yes I just saw someone else’s comment thank you!!

[@michaeldean9338]

At that particular point, you didn't sound bad on a melody like 'Tenderly'. And I agree. Your music direct had to have pick a song like that. Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed, (nice tone,, btw)

[@FoolishFrankie]

Much love🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@michaeldean9338]

@@FoolishFrankie Love for All. Peace

[@stloucat]

I agree, Tenderly, but for one year in you sound amazing to me.

[@FoolishFrankie]

I appreciate it🙏🏻

[@jamesnorris3126]

You can cringe, but you were a lot better at one year than I am 😂

[@FoolishFrankie]

Everyone is on their own path!!

[@i_m_strangeri_m_stranger70]

While as you say you started too late, I started studying at 41. Now I'm almost 47 and I still neither have a vibrato nor sound good enough. I even can't get rid of mistakes while improvising because don't remember all the notes in some harmonies. I also can't play good low notes. So for 10 years you're playing brilliantly compared to me.

[@miguelsgaming8492]

I look up to you you’re my favourite sax player

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you so much 🥺

[@Zombie_3581]

Feel like when I get good on saxophone and look back it’s going to be just like you

[@lord_senuyt3318]

Love the vid man I've been playing tuba since late 8th grade (I'm in 9th now) but I do have a question is it bad or good that I also make harsh slef analysis and could it effect my overall confidence?

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you and honestly I can't say

[@fje042]

Great vid! Love your personality! Keep it! What was your student alto?

[@chody07]

i started as a clarient but then i switched to playing sax abt 2 years ago and only 2 years later ive made all state (or all county on where your from) and got offers to play from proffesionals but i wish i had more beggining recordings

[@chody07]

but i still dont think i sound good lol

[@FoolishFrankie]

It’s all a journey!

[@sallongo9666]

Loved your video. I played throughout grade school and high school. I'm 54 now and started picking it up again regularly. I've always had that pure tone classical sound and now I've really been trying to get that edgy, buzzy sound like you had on your Feb 26, 2022 section. What was different in that solo, compared to the others, that gave you such a different sound?

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh that's awesome to hear! Honestly, I think I had just been transcribing a lot of Sam Greenfield who has a super bright edgy sound so that was the sound I had in my head

[@gerardocazaresnava665]

I started at 24 now im 28 i think i sound just like you when you had 4 years of practice So i think im doing something right i hope i can reach your level someday

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome just keep practicing you can do it!🔥🔥

[@cipriancorneanu6120]

Really nice seeing someone else's improvement over time.. however i'm still struggling with embouchure on saxophone because i moved from clarinet to sax and i still hold it kinda tight and i also think the ammount of mouthpiece is way less than it should be. What do you think about rolling your lower lip a bit more ? Is that something i should try ? Out of 10 embouchure videos, 8 of them talk about it and the fact that the clarinet/saxophone embouchure are way different than you'd think. Thanks in advance, good luck, and i'm hoping to see more of your videos!

[@FoolishFrankie]

Thank you! And yeah I think it’s worth giving that a shot (rolling your lip out) it could definitely help!

[@garycaptol7219]

Funny thing, I can relate. I have a video of my son at 10 years old playing at a Recital on his Sax. He just graduated from Pasadena City College in June and will be going onto Calif. State University Northridge. He is really good now. He likes Jazz. Were you an only “Jazz” player in College ? Check out The Jazz Avengers. They’re from Japan.

[@danielllarenasaxofonista6416]

Nice Video!! I wish i had more videos of my begginings on the sax. Cheers!

[@DeletedUser73926]

I always had the opposite problem Really good tone quality from the start but just sucked at playing fast or soloing Your soloing sounds better than most people straight off but the tone quality had some catching up to do lol

[@raizhyghlankshelam6090]

That's so adorable your so talented. And to think that I'm actually older than you.

[@TheGuiltyGamer23]

its tenderly, such a lovely tune :)

[@usr45129]

Yeah I get what you mean, there are not many great horn players that started late. The good news is that you didnt start that late haha I started playing trumpet at 20 (still not too late, but later than than most), I'm still not decent after about 5 years but lets say hearing me play doesnt make you wish you were deaf anymore haha Good luck in your journey ;)

[@usr45129]

PS: most horn players started playing in marching band, and so did most great horn players, so it's kinda obvious that they started early. Is it really necessary? Don't know So it could be a correlation vs causation debate, and I'd argue it's mostly correlation

[@FoolishFrankie]

All good points! Much love 🙏🏻

[@LizzieRuff]

Mr. Defade teaches me now

[@FoolishFrankie]

He’s incredible!!

[@LizzieRuff]

@@FoolishFrankie Yeah he is!

[@Ben-ig3bf]

Coming up on 10 years next years, Finishing A levels this year, planning to go to uni with sax

[@Jeb251]

I was wondering if you had any advice on finding your sound. I seem to be stuck and I don't know where to go. I know that I should listen to recordings, but I can't seem to find the next step.

[@FoolishFrankie]

I would say just listen and transcribe stuff that you really like and that you want to sound like! I’m very much still finding my sound!

[@jasonowens3088]

90% sure we were both alto freshman at UNT at the same time. i didn't stick around either haha.

[@jasonowens3088]

Just rewatched, we left the same semester and I was also working on sunny side of the street after transfering schools. Crazy

[@FoolishFrankie]

Woah no way!! I don’t know if we talked much but think I recognize your pic. What a small world. Hope you’re doing well!!

[@Ebidle]

3:13 next time you see DeFade ask him about his impression of Sammy Davis Jr.

[@HenryYu-e3q]

What was the first piece in the sax quartet during 3 years?

[@Good_EnoughForJazz]

him at 1 year be playing better than me after 5 years of playing

[@SamDavidComposer]

defade is my teacher!!!! nice to see a pgh area musician as a youtuber.

[@FoolishFrankie]

Ahh no way he was mine all through high school! Incredible musician and equally as incredible of a person

[@SamDavidComposer]

@@FoolishFrankie You didnt happen to go to LP did you?

[@MTBoulder]

How were you that good at 1 year and 8 months, you sound better than me and I’ve been playing for 5 years now. I guess I never really practiced and got more serious until more of this past year 😅. Do you have any tips for exercises to what I should practice to get my tone better?

[@FoolishFrankie]

Everyone is on their own path! And I have a bunch of video lessons on the sound exercises I do on my Skillshare. Should be linked in the description of most of my videos!

[@MTBoulder]

@@FoolishFrankie Awesome thank you

[@travelvideos]

I played piano after 10 years of interruption and funny enough my fingers become bigger and distances have changed. So, I could not do it automatically although I have muscle memory to play those songs which I had learned. (I use muscle memory to write on computer as well. Like this comment I wrote and then I have to reread and edit what I have written automatically)

[@andrewrollins1124]

i started saxophone like 4 years ago and your 3 years sounds the same as me rn :(

[@FoolishFrankie]

Everyone is on their own path!

[@pseudo2224]

What's your favorite note

[@FoolishFrankie]

Bb on saxophone

[@pseudo2224]

@@FoolishFrankie That's a good choice, but which fingering 🤣? I like side Bb

[@FoolishFrankie]

Low:)

[@scottjacko87]

15:40 to 15:50 - your facial expression gets me everytime haha

[@Learning2Sax]

That's a nice video, i will do the same in 9 Years.

[@hazzahazza8589]

How did you get so good so quickly?? I've been playing a few months longer than you and I'm nowhere near as good

[@FoolishFrankie]

It’s all relative! I’ve always been pretty disciplined with my practice routine so I think that has played a part

[@bastianfrederiksen7293]

You improved your godnes like a formel 1 car!

[@FoolishFrankie]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@Verdadesquesanan]

Can you please tell what is the name of the second song that you dad took a video of you practicing please ?

[@starvingtuba]

gotta also remember the sound quality of the camera probably wasnt that good. so your probably sounded great in person in some of these

[@unpoulet5690]

Bruh you got good so quickly

[@FoolishFrankie]

It’s all relative 😅🙏🏻

[@hansbrackhaus8017]

Good stuff. Started at 14, huh? I'm starting at the inverse. 41. Let's see how it goes for me.

[@FoolishFrankie]

That’s awesome to hear!! You can do it!!

[@everycoLor_312]

🙋🏼‍♀️👍🏻✨️