3 Qualities of the Airstream || Controlling Your Sound

Dr. Robert Young discusses the qualities that are present in his airstream to produce an even and controlled sound on the saxophone.
Foundationssaxophoneacademy.com
Voicing Basics: • Voicing Basics | Impro...
Equipment used in this video:
saxophone: Selmer Paris Serie III - Jubilee
neck: Selmer Paris Serie III (Gold Plated)
mouthpiece: Backun Vocalise TM2
ligature: Ishimori - (gold plated)
reeds: D'Addario Reserve (3.0+)
Other:
Breathtaking strap
Lefreque sound bridge (gold plated)
Meridian Winds ergonomic screws (gold plated)

[@andrewmartin7558]

Thanks for the video, beautifully and simply explained.

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Beautiful information

[@michaeldean9338]

I LOVE Dr. Robert's videos! Simplex, but sensible concepts.

[@robertyoungsax]

Thank you!

[@robannmateja5000]

Wow! So clearly explained. My instructor is teaching me this technique as well. I love this video... really helped me to understand. Thank you!

[@noaeven7101]

YES! Way to spread the gospel of cold, focused air. Thank you!

[@robertyoungsax]

Ha! Thanks Noa!

[@rloomis3]

I'm always happy when I see top-notch saxists are watching the same videos I am. :)

[@Kalhorn247]

Very nice video. Thank you sir!

[@robertyoungsax]

Thank you for watching! Much appreciated!

[@BeachBoi1000]

Thanks. But I run out of air super fast when I play the low notes like Bb, B, C, C#.

[@travisjohnson7202]

Hi Dr. Young, your video demonstrates the concept very well, but how does it work when you have mouthpiece and can’t change your lip aperture to the same extent that maybe a flutist could? Are there specific adjustments a saxophonist can or should m do to create faster air?

[@robertyoungsax]

Hello Travis, Thanks for listening. Right, I don't think the purpose of my illustration is to change the lip aperture as much as I've done to blow cool air on my hand. It was moreso to demonstrate that a wider aperture will have a warmer stream. But the two things I do to speed up my air making sure I have a small enough aperture (aka, more pressure on the reed...of course this needs to be done with out going too far)....secondly, I also play with a high tongue position all the time. the middle of my tongue is always anchored against my upper molars. I like to think that this helps the stream of air move faster before it gets to the reed. So, 1:) small aperture, within reason and 2:) high tongue position. These are just my opinions....Some players may do things a little differently.

[@1.nf674]

Would slower air produce a warmer, darker sound? (my goal) I also iuse a double lip embouchure. I tried placing my top teeth on the mpc, but I couldn't stand it. Just doesn't work for me.

[@DanielloSax7]

You want fast air to get a focused and dark sound. Having your teeth on the can also help with this. Try using a mouthpiece patch if this way isn't comfortable

[@1.nf674]

@@DanielloSax7 Thanks for your advice! I kind of stumbled into the fast air/air support solution. I'll order some patches and give it a go!

[@chrismills5110]

This was very useful. Thanks. What type of embouchure do you use? Your sound is crystal clear

[@robertyoungsax]

Hello, Thank you for watching! If I understand your question correctly, I have my top teeth on the mouthpiece and my lower lip rolled rather generously over my bottom teeth. Thank you for the kind words!

[@chrismills5110]

@@robertyoungsax That you play so well with such unnatural lip positioning amazes me! You are young enough to change, though, to a proper, double lip embouchure, perfectly natural, and no teeth touching anything. Teeth are for destroying food, not playing Saxophone. You are inhibiting yourself

[@robertyoungsax]

@@chrismills5110 Thanks for the advice, sir! I prefer to play with my teeth on the mouthpiece though.

[@chrismills5110]

@@robertyoungsax what do your teeth achieve in your playing? I am curious, for you play at such a high level using an embouchure which appears designed to one day put you in hospital. I have encountered biters before, but you are the complete package biting with both upper and lower teeth! You don't teach students this? I hope not for their sakes. This is worst, most contorted embouchure I have ever heard of. That you are close minded upon this point and cannot verbally explain why you do this, is sad, for you appear interested in Saxphone and your other ideas are great, which is why I contacted you. What reed and MP are you on?

[@bobmatt5175]

@@chrismills5110 What the actual fuck are you talking about? It is standard pedagogy for saxophonists to play with their teeth on the mouthpiece. Do you have any resources you can link to which explain the medical risks you describe? Have you ever picked up a saxophone?