20 Minutes of REAL Practice (What I Do & Why)

⬇️ 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗯'𝘀 𝟳 "𝗧" 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀:
jazzpracticepyramid.com
Sometimes the hardest part of practicing is just getting the horn out of the case. Why? I offer a quick theory in this video-and then get right to the nitty gritty of how exactly I (often) do it. I've annotated the session to explain the thoughts behind my actions.
Download my practice notes from this video:
bobreynoldsmusic.com/practice...
Bob Reynolds is a 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist with Snarky Puppy. He's toured with John Mayer, Larry Carlton, and many others and released 12 solo albums-4 of which reached the Top 10 in Billboard's Jazz Charts. A pioneering educator, Bob has coached thousands of musicians since 2010 through his innovative Virtual Studio at bobsvirtualstudio.com. He is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist, KZbinr, and surfer. He lives with his wife and kids in Los Angeles, CA.
“Bob is one hell of a saxophonist! His sound is rich and his execution is effortless.”
Michael Brecker
“…Reynolds flexes an assured hand with melding hip-swiveling jazz and funk as a bandleader.”
LA TIMES
“Some of the freshest, most compelling, and most soulful music I have heard recently. Bob Reynolds is an amazing musician, with something very exciting and original to say.”
Joshua Redman
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Signed Albums ► bit.ly/signed_cds
60 bpm T-shirt ► bit.ly/Bobs60bpmTshirt
Practice Book ► bit.ly/saxpowerhour
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[@bobreynolds]

Download my practice notes from this video: bobreynoldsmusic.com/practice-notes-Bm7-Am7

[@Blackandwhiteivorys]

For all of you who hire a musician or band and second guess the price… this is what you’re paying for! The time and effort it takes to get on stage and sound great!

[@Eldorias]

As a pianist I think it's so inspiring to see musicians of your level work on fundamentals at a very slow tempo, it really seems to be the best way to work on technique

[@codfather6583]

I wish more professionals would upload their practice sessions. I watched and listened to it all!

[@maxmeszaros9527]

I wish there were more videos like this out there. Being able to see, uncut, what amazing musicians actually practice, especially with explanations of what they're doing and why is so illuminating. Thank you, Bob!

[@Northernbreed1738]

This is the best video I've seen on KZbin in a long time. I've spent hours and hours of practicing alone in a room, doing many of the same things you're doing, thinking, listening, feeling, watching, and for so long I've asked myself "Is this the thing I should be doing? Is it the right way? Is it really this boring at times?". Now I see it is, even for someone at your level. It's like you've pulled the curtain back and shown me that yeah, it's really just work and focus and repetitive and thinking and listening, and it's practice not performance, and all the rest I've learned to do when practicing, but was never really sure great players do it too, or if it was right or normal. Wonderful - thanks for posting this.

[@AdreinMatthews]

I’m a guitarist. Self taught. I have no way to express how useful this video is. It gives me a new dimension to add to my practice. I am grateful. All the best.

[@bobreynolds]

So glad to hear that, Adrian! 🙏

[@mgbasinski]

@@bobreynolds Another guitarist here, thanks for posting this - great stuff (and even for those of us not wind players, working these ideas is super productive)

[@oscargill423]

Keeping the fingering going while taking a breath is revolutionary for me. I'll be coming back to this for sure.

[@Xavier_Dimoff]

Thank you for showing us real practice without pressuring us to follow it. So many times I see people make practice guides where they sound as if they are saying they don’t personally waste time practicing and that you NEED to do what they say or else you are wasting your time. I have felt so close to doing what you show here, but never quite sticking with it because I would get it in my head that I’m wasting time and should be doing something else. You played one idea in one key.

[@TheSkinDoctorCSGO]

Your vulnerability and willingness to share the realest of the real raises my respect for you even higher than it already was! Thank you for all you do!

[@nafawi7965]

Thanks for your feed, Bob. I’m so glad to see this one. I’ve played sax for 30+ years and I feel like this granular, detailed practice is where I spend lots of time. Getting fingers synched…making each note to sound when,how and where exactly I want them to land. Color, attack, release and burying the sound,of a phrase in my biochemistry..in my ear. The practice of art..music..is one phrases at a time. Just get one phrase. One interval to feel solid and controlled…like telling someone my name…or counting to 10(at 30b-m 😂) No wonder your sound and playing are so consistently clear and well-stated.

[@mslourenco100]

finally, a practical video for beginners (and not only, obviously). Thnks

[@47mikep]

Best 20 minutes I've spent in a long time. It takes a lot of discipline to play slow and methodical, Thanks for reminding me to slow down and get the fundamentals under my fingers,

[@garyharrismusic]

My thoughts exactly! I was trying to find words to describe how I felt about this video. You did it perfectly. Off to work I go. 🎷

[@wyndhl8309]

It is greater than the best practice approaches given on KZbin to date👌 👍 😍 Some of what I have taken away from Bob's exercise routine: Plan with purpose and structure; demonstrate patience without speeding; repetition of phrase and/or passage; concentrate on sound being produced; pause a little, stretch body and fingers, as well as breathe as seen fit; pay attention to rhythm (and timing); a few long tones in the mix, of course 👌 Had I done this, I would have found saxophone playing less challenging. Certainly, I would have been a better instrumentalist on saxophones, flutes, and clarinet. Yet another master video! A million thanks, Bob.

[@ekesamuel8795]

MAnnnnnnn I do not even know what else to say. This is actually the real deal right here. This gets you far and beyond as a musician; sadly, we don't get this on youtube or anywhere, especially the commentary you put up alongside the video. Thank you so much for this video.

[@awkwardshapes7072]

This is phenomenal. Very helpful to see how in-depth practicing on little things like this can be used with incredibly advanced players like yourself!

[@CassStevens]

This is like Shaolin monk level practicing.

[@chaselaro1444]

​@@Zxx459 Whys that?

[@stack80]

This was so dope, thank you so much for this insight! My son and I will work on this. Please make more videos of this, straight practicing. I have never seen a video like this out there 🙏🏽🔥

[@LennyPrice]

Wonderful content, Bob! Sound is actually job ONE! Combining melodic/harmonic work with long tones is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Bravo! 🎷

[@1.nf674]

Stumbled onto this technique on my own. (on a MUCH smaller scale) I thought I might be wasting time.... going too slowly. I was on the right track, now I will shed like crazy. Thank you!!!

[@DavidBeecroftMusic]

Thank you for your honesty. The how is so very important.

[@saxaphoney]

its comforting to know that me pacing around my kitchen flubbing over a note and then taking 10 minutes to analyze it with long tones is more normal than I thought.

[@veeps1817]

Breaking it down to an eight note line is great. It's interesting how doing one little pattern and burning it into the fingers and mind can translate to having the coordination for transposition to all keys and all patterns in that same key. Also, I find it's relaxing and a relief to focus on one thing and pick it apart like you do , always conscious of a tempo and rhythm. A long time ago Jerry Bergonzi told me that he taught because he could either hide what he knew or share it and he wanted to share it. I'm glad you are sharing your knowledge in a compassionate and deep manner.

[@Osnosis]

Jerry was the first teacher I had (45 years ago!) that knew so much he didn’t need to hide the material. While he showed me the trailhead, I still can’t see above the clouds!

[@DineshBhadwal]

The biggest hurdle is no doubt to get that instrument out of the box! Thank you for posting this. Very helpful.

[@barrypsax]

Great video, and you know exactly why: the tendency is to try to do too much too fast. Really nice to see not just what you’re practicing, but how you practice it - this really will affect what I do in the practice room.

[@bobreynolds]

Thanks! 👍

[@tomrees4812]

This is why I soundproofed my garage so I could practice stuff like this without driving my neighbours nuts - or convincing them I was nuts😊

[@Orlando-wn4uc]

This is a great video. I always learn so much from watching professional saxophonist's hands. Their economy of motion is incredible. This is super helpful. Thanks again, Bob!

[@mickmann6779]

Very inspirational, just gettin it out of the case and putting the mouthpiece in my mouth EVERYDAY makes my day.

[@jimspake]

This is a great help to me. I can get so distracted~ especially at practice. Very inspiring.

[@MikeSmith-go8wk]

I love this video. Honestly as simple as it is I have found it invaluable. I didn't understand that someone as good as you could be so focused on a small element

[@KristianJacksonmusic]

I’ll add another vote for short, focused practice sessions. In my case, my ability to shed on sax the past few years has been limited due to time and noise issues so I pivoted to my guitar playing. I literally sneak in 5 mins every day, focusing on a singular skill over the course of a few days/week. No overarching plan, just identifying areas as I go. I started around Christmas 2020 and it’s been transformational. My studio should be soundproofed by the end of the year so am looking forward to doing the same with my sax again.

[@adriancoulson]

Wow, incredible patience and concentration. I always move on to trying to play in different keys or improvising rhythmically. You really lock in and focus!

[@olivierherment1188]

it's such a pleasure to listen to a musician practice... My turn now

[@aaronkohen9994]

just a truly fascinating window into the art of practice. to be a fly on the wall i tell my students...so i will be sharing this with them (high school and middle school instrumentalists need to see this!!). thanks so much bob!

[@bobreynolds]

Thank you, Aaron, and yes, please do share with them! That’s partially the audience I had in mind for this.

[@HelioCoelhoJunior]

cool ! I got completely in the zone repeating the phrase with the video... amazing also to hear the notes and adjusting them in realtime to match ! Thanks Bob.

[@DinoSoldo]

Boring is the new awesome. This is what KZbin needs. Absolute reality. I love it.

[@LennyPrice]

Thanks for sharing this, Bob! I'm getting back into shape during recovery from a #kidneytransplant. Now that I've re-established my sound, it's time to pick up the harmonic content work. Bravo! 🎷

[@koegon]

This is exactly what I needed to see today. Thank you

[@heinzstebe1675]

Hi Bob, nice info to practice. Just one note, to dry the key pads and tone hole- use coffee filter paper. Cut it in different sizes so it fits to the different tone holes. After each practice session i dry all the upper key pads.

[@bobreynolds]

Coffee filters! 🤯 Gonna try it. Thanks

[@musicmanson]

Just straight up raw shedding. I think this is what we all needed. Thanks, Bob!

[@HB-ve4wi]

This is absolutely invaluable. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🙏🙏

[@thomasjones2071]

I can really appreciate the time and study, that you put into your craft.

[@FlitchMcGlitch]

Fantastic Bob

[@leange04]

Thanks, i needed some new ideas to practice … this is a great way to stay totally focused and in time! Perfect video

[@DiegoErnestoGarcia]

This video is pure gold, man, you are always so inspiring!

I'm from Brazil and I play eletric guitar, but I loved this video! I got so many informations for application to the guitar!

[@GustavoMaciel27]

Thanks for this content. It’s gold

[@rtraill1]

Watched the whole thing Very worth while Transmissional Thanks so much Bob

[@masterllama321]

Trusting the process is hard but yields great results. Thanks Bob!

[@simulizizadudumizi8417]

Thanks a lot for such a wonderful video. Now I know what to practice.

[@soulfireblue5721]

This is my favorite video. Thank you!

[@jacobjammin7693]

This is very interesting. I definitely need to write notes out and make mental notes while playing. Thank you 🙏

[@music4all252]

Wow! Who knew, a Master Class inside of a regular practice session. Thanks for taking the time and the risk. Great information that I will use for inspiration!

[@zecastello]

One of the BEST videos you put out here! Thanks a lot, man!

[@mrtdmccollum]

Wow... now I don't feel so weird about what I practice. I totally thought I wasn't doing enough. Thanks for sharing. It was very encouraging for me. I'm super shy and private when it comes to practicing. I'll get over it one day 😅. You are a brave man and one of the best I've seen on Tenor.

[@vincescuderi]

Thanks for all your down-to-earth videos. Another reason I think we, or I, procrastinate with regard to practice is that many times the stuff you practice deserts you on the gig. I realize much of that can be remedied by repetition of your ideas and after that, more repetition. Thanks again for all the great content. Gotta go practice now ;-)

[@garyharrismusic]

Thank you Bob! 🙏🏾

[@aguzman11189]

Wow it’s really cool to see that you even write goals not related to the music itself, like looking in the mirror to see if your fingers are always on the pearls! Great video :)

[@sauxphilippe]

great chalenge ! Thank's Bob !

[@yoelhooper-antunez1016]

This is sick!!! I’ve always wanted to see a video like this

[@casbont]

Music is such a daunting endeavor, it's nice to see that top caliber musicians deal with the same bs as everyone else. I read Michael Brecker's bio, and there was a quip about him trying tons of mouthpieces for his friend, and his friend was telling him they all sounded great!! Even Mike Brecker was unsure of himself, keep on keeping on, thanks for sharing!!

[@matheusamaral3440]

Awesome content! I don’t understand much about the notes you made, but it’s good to listen and practice together!

[@clarinetninja]

I have been watching your vidoes for a long time - don't know if I ever commented. I went to hear you play (seems like another lifetime ago) at 55 bar in the village (it was prior to 2010). I dreamed of being a tenor player...but ended up a orchestral clarinetist instead. It is great to hear somebody expose the framework of improvised music the way that you do. I try to teach many of the same concepts with the clarinet - with the idea that music needs to be heard first in the ear before the notes are produced. Classical musicians often have great ears, but forget to teach what is so obvious in improvised music. I could drone on for hours, but reading youtube comments must get boring for you! To make it short.... I am a huge fan of your playing and even a bigger fan of your teaching. It's all inspirational and a real asset to the music community

[@bobreynolds]

Thank you! Not boring at all, and I appreciate you taking time to share this with me.

[@darkcanyonprospecting1148]

Great video as always, Bob. You are such an inspiration.

[@SOLOSAXOHP]

Thanks Bob 👍

[@garaumoris9893]

Bob Reynolds un incroyable saxophoniste qui partage ses connaissances , quelle chance nous avons de vous suivre et pouvoir pratiquer notre passion du saxophone avec vos conseils .. un grand bonjour amical de France 🙏

[@davidmojel2358]

Thanks for choosing to upload this.

[@squeeps78]

I love how you illustrate just how much you can get out of focusing on a very specific section. How do you think practice sessions like this, focused on a very specific aspect of your technique, translate to other areas of your playing? A lot of the time I feel like I have to hit it all in one practice sessions if I want to make steady progress in all areas.

[@mpbraendle9621]

Impressive. And without using a tuner. You inspired me to rethink my practice routine.

[@georgehiggins1320]

This is like the most entertaining video I've ever seen.

[@bobreynolds]

☺️

[@pneptune5851]

Good points you made with this vid. And I also think is good to throw in other tools of reference to monitor your progress, and make it more interesting. For example you’ve already a metronome constraint. So then - I would also add a tuner constraint. And a room locality constraint to find the best resonance. -A harder than normal reed constraint. I would also work with octave constraints, trill constraints , and dynamic constraints. And I see that you discovered the overtone constraints. Thanks for this because we all need to realize that we aren’t alone in our practice apneas😂😂

[@danielryanmusic]

Bob I loved the honesty of this video ❤❤ thank you always ....Dan

[@barrymaher3922]

Yes, this is real practice - I’ve always enjoyed hearing musicians practice, making decisions in real time about when to repeat when to move on, what problem they are trying to solve. Additional suggestion - keep a practice journal. I played saxophone for years and am now studying guitar. I have been keeping a journal for several years - what I’m working, struggling against, and what challenges I’ve overcomed. Sometimes it’s as basic as notes and reminders on a particular hand or finger postion. It’s a great resource for future reference.

[@bobreynolds]

bobreynoldsmusic.com/practice-journal-20-years-ago/

[@barrymaher3922]

@@bobreynolds Thanks for the link - this is great! I left out a key piece that your articles covered - using a practice journal to capture goals and evaluate progress.

[@pascalrichard4280]

Thanks Bob. Been struggling recently on how to do some focused practice rather than just noodling, and this video was EXACTLY what I needed to get me back on the saddle. 🎷

[@bobreynolds]

Awesome, Pascal! I think I mentioned this video for you as I reviewed your video in the studio yesterday!

[@tien.viet.nguyen]

Thank you so much, this was exactly what I needed. ❤

[@saxulaylee]

I’m doing this exact practice routine now but with all 12 keys and I think that will be golden!

[@saxman3336]

More Vids like this Bob, watching the professionals practice.

[@riccitone]

Unless!!…So succinctly overviewed what I so often want my students to try: set the heavy goals aside, pick up the horn and just address those almost mindless small things, and stay in a daily groove ❤🙏🏼👍🏼

[@zan77460]

This inspired to use a metronome after a long time practicing without it.

[@randygeorge]

refreshing video. Thanks for sharing a bit of real life. I bet there are people who don't know this is how the magic is made... I got a kick out the slow repetition of single intervals. the slow practice brute forcing the synapses into alignment.

[@bobreynolds]

That’s exactly it: brute forcing the synapses! Great way to describe it

[@okanepara159]

I finally found what bugs loud radio players in subway :)😂 this is an amazing sound that I use when they play loud music around me. That really kills them :) thank you thank you thank you for introducing this buggy for me.

[@bobreynolds]

😂

[@noelmesta3313]

Así práctico yo tengo que practicar más y más,mucho más!!

[@frankversteeg8107]

very interesting to watch, to see, how a pro is practising, allmost 3 years on my sax yourney now

[@dougpluta1140]

Very interesting video... enjoyed the content. Liked the hockey goal horn at the end! Lol...great work.

[@bobreynolds]

☺️🥅🎷

[@coltraekang]

Thank you, Bob, for this amazing video. I was watching this and my wife just walked out in the middle of her bath and said, "what the hell is that?" xDD

[@bobreynolds]

perfect 🤣

[@MrGeolm]

I wish I could practice like that, just focusing on rhythm, tone, fingers, and so on... but I got so little time per day (30mn) to practice that I need to work on tunes for the gigs and I get just 10-15mn to work on licks and technique (although I do it at 60 bpm)

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

The current hardest part is that I live in an apartment for the first time in my life - no house to play in. I'm in LA and houses are 1 million for a shack, unlike my native suburban Detroit where they are affordable. I'm looking at renting or buying a mobile in a park (a nice one). Maybe s Whisper Room? In my otherwise misspent youth, I practiced all day. 8, 10, sometimes 15 hours a day in music school (OK, that's bananas...!)

[@oscarwisnia375]

This is an awesome resource. Thank you for posting. I was curious how much of a role routine plays in your practice? During your heaviest practice years did you have routines, subjects you always came back to? I’m always worried about the skills I practice deteriorating if I don’t keep up with them.

[@robstevens9590]

What patience and persistance!

[@GDM223SR]

I get it. I totally get it. Thank you!

[@bobreynolds]

Awesome. Glad it resonated, Steve. 👍

[@jackjackdaw5065]

I love practicing. ❤

[@robertomacheda592]

very nice man

[@lukamacinnes-cann3665]

Fascinating video Bob! I have a few questions, just wondering how you came up with this specific idea to practice. And along with that, what was the main goal with practicing this, and how would this in-turn affect your playing. Thanks for the video!

[@maurizioferrante2911]

Thanks🙏🙏

[@jamesjefferson8353]

This is dope ❤ I get it!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Dionpr1]

Love it. I do something similar but in the open air. I live on a farm so 'noise' is not an issue. Curious about your m/pce reed set up? Sounds great. thanks a hundred times.

[@trawomov]

Hello Mr. Bob Reynolds, thank you for this great lesson!! I also like this metronome click. Which one do you use? Best Regards

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Wow, I love this, love all your videos and I need to join your website and take lessons. I really got to do something or I will throw Inthe towel. Great stuff, where do I go to see about signing up for your saxophone online website

[@bobreynolds]

Hi Vincent, I'll be welcoming new students into the studio very soon: bobsvirtualstudio.com/

[@RHCPfreak98]

Imagine if i watched this while 0.5 speed by mistake 🤣🤣 BTW really helpful!

[@leanmchungry4735]

Great stuff, the arpeggio motif reminds me of the fist bar of Joe Hederson's Lush Life, from his Strayhorn album.

[@bobreynolds]

Joe did this (2 m7 chords a whole step apart) a lot. Played rapidly (like I do at top of video) is kind of a signature Joe Hen thing. Good catch!

[@Orlando-wn4uc]

@@bobreynolds Mind blown... I'm totally going to practice this now...