A Saxophone Lesson at Juilliard with Bruce Williams

[@bluessax5089]

What Jay’s doing which is masterful is allowed his guest to speak and sort of “run the show”. No ego needed. So much valuable info. This may be the best video. Kudos Jay!! 😎🙌🏽💯🤘🏽

[@bettersax]

Thanks man!

[@davidkelly1220]

Agreed, so refreshing to see a interviewer let the guest speak, superb

[@jayfogelman]

Exactly right.

[@DonaldMohrMusic]

It helps that he’s a professional teacher

[@artwilliams8794]

Jay I'm lust starting out, but I will the travel sax be OK or get a selmer unity?

[@tonymulvenna3305]

I absolutely loved listening to Bruce and his many insights he provided.

[@keiljazz]

Im not a huge fan of interviews, but that's because they're rarely this honest, unpretentious, and to the heart of the matter. This guy is awesome. Great video, amazing job Jay!

[@Justme-xg9rj]

I'm blessed to live in a time where this information is so readily available that I can access decades of Saxophone wisdom ON DEMAND from Your channel. I'm learning so much.... And I only play the piano currently but based on another video from this channel I decided that I miss playing a wind instrument so I purchased "The best Sax under 500 dollars" (Jean Paul). And here I am getting a lesson from Julliard instructor at the convenience of my lunch break. My deepest gratitude Sir. This is the content we need to be supporting.

[@lejazz6938]

I totally agree, when I started to play music (100 years ago), this wasn't the case...so I'm so happy to get new ideas (or old ones in a different way) from some great people, without any ego shit, it really makes me happy and....makes me practice more... ;) and spread the word of course... :)

[@gosneygosney]

Yes, more interviews, fantastic. We’re all still learning.

[@bettersax]

More to come!

[@mrtdmccollum]

Wow Bruce! Leroy Barton Jr. was my High School Band Director. He was so hard on me as a young saxophonist. I definitely appreciate it now 🙌🏽! #suitlandhs c/o 2001 🎷😎✌

[@daviddiamond2415]

The tip about using vowels to shape one’s throat dramatically improved my embouchure and control. Using an “ah” throat shape gave me the mellow, smooth sound that I wanted, and a consistent timbre from the low notes to the higher notes. Pitches and bends were also easy to control. Using an “oh” throat shape gave my sound more of a bite and edge, and a more definite attack. The “oh” and the “ah” each required a different instrument angle and different sort of control. I knew that one needed to play with an open throat, but without knowing about the shape of the throat, my timbre and pitch wandered randomly and were hard to control. Jay’s interview with Bruce Williams was not just for experienced players; it was also for absolute beginners like myself. Thank you Jay and Bruce!

[@Michael-Oh]

Need to watch out for saying "ah" and "oh". When you do that you close and open your throat with "ah" and closing and opening your throat just distorts the air getting through the sax from the diaphragm, it's better to think "hahh" or "hohh".

[@louisthomas7942]

Preach Bruce !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Groove is it. Pocket is groove swing is Groove classical grooves. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

[@saxophoneamydecker6630]

Excellent interview. What wowed me is that he mentioned to sandpaper the mid inside of the reed, the straight part of the reed! My classical sax teacher when I was young said never to do this so I am excited to try this after playing the saxophone for so much of my life. Also he is using the golden ligature that I use for my classical mouthpiece, I need to try that. I love my V16 A6 but now I want to try the V16 S A9, 8 and 7! He didn't say what reed and number, just guessing, maybe Java 2 1/2 if it's a 9 opening. I love his tone. I was glad he mentioned tone and articulation right away. That's what makes me continue listening to someone or move along quickly. Jay, you asked the perfect questions and I like how respectful you are.

[@michaelthomas4805]

It wasn't the latest altissimo fingerings, the "must-practice" note patterns or even the latest gadget..no, this interview was about exploring the soul of how a class musician thinks about his craft. Most insightful and I have already begun internalizing some of this stuff. Great interview.

[@billducker7404]

Thank you Jay. What a wonderful video from this master musician and teacher. So full of wisdom. It’s all about the sound God bless you both. Bill. Uk 🎷🎷

[@iancopple5649]

Such sax wisdom. Two quotes that stood out: "I like to think of myself as in the band, not above it," and, "if you're only thinking about yourself, you're missing the point." Excellent interview and excellent interviewer. Thank you Bruce and Jay!

[@thebigeasytraveler6567]

Fantastic interview. His sound is impeccable.

[@bboyhyun02]

Heard him play right in front of me when I was interning at Ted Klum, before the coronavirus. He has a huge, phat beautiful sound!

[@skippruitt2391]

This is great! What's up Bruce🎷🎶🎶

[@brucewilliamsjazz]

What’s good? Been a while.

[@book3100]

Patience. Practice. Perseverance.

[@DeMariusJackson]

Outstanding video! I wish I could study with him!

[@bettersax]

Thanks man

[@lake_is_bored3537]

This guy is very insightful. My tone was bombing after a concert (classical) for weeks then I was like “this needs to change.” So I sat down and listened to Dexter Gordon and played along with him and matched his tonality and his style and it drastically improved my tone.

[@braintreecat]

As a High School jazz ensemble teadher I find what Bruce advocates to be very useable and practical advice for my studentsd in their roles within the sax section Recently I converted all 5 to Jody Jazz 5C pieces and it helped, Using stronger reeds (3-4 Rico's) but they are very early in the learning process as to how to function within the section. Bruce's pedagogy here is a must for band leaders and students in order tio improve their functionality and performance goals as to sound etc.. Thanks to Jay for giving us this informative and educational posting.

[@dwhemmings]

Awesome lesson. So much information and pearls of wisdom. Much appreciated

[@davidweaver4567]

Jay, you have without doubt made a most important vidio, why? I'm 77yrs old have been learning the saxophone for ten years and to watch and listen to such an unselfish and Knowledgable man as Bruce Williams has been a lesson way beyond superlative. My thanks to you for all the help you impart, and to Bruce Williams for his non-ego induced advvice. U.K

[@joeblankenship377]

Good interview. Reminded me to be more aware of what my throat is doing when I play.

[@matta5348]

I’ve revisited this conversation and the Jason Marshall one too a few times now. So much good stuff to think about & work on!

[@jaymichael91]

Best interview ever. Love his breakdown of different techniques.

[@roderickberry2508]

25 daily exercises by Klose. Hassan Ali out of Philly had me working that book when I was 16 years old. I can still sing the first 10 or so pages of it in my head. I’m 63 now! When you work up in Klose ,you puttin in work!!!

[@virus8377]

Hi. Once again an amazing video! Keep up the great work! Greetings from Germany

[@derekakien7379]

This guy knows his stuff. Would love to hear him play.

[@c.b.blackburn8285]

I wish this interview was three hours long. So good!

[@geokaks1]

Bruce Williams’ classroom will feel like a temple. Great Teacher! 👏

[@riptide534]

I saw Bruce Williams at the Lionel Hampton jazz fest, and it was my first time seeing so many legends, Everyone performing was amazing.

[@lukeburns8929]

dear Bruce and Jay, What a pleasure to see you both hammering thru the Jive. Jay I dig you so much ,cos you really sit back and let Bruce ooze with Jazz and honesty, just delightful , Cheers,

[@hugovandermeer1566]

Fantastic... thank you Jay!🎶🎶🎷

[@Andrew_Whiteford]

“everyone else in the section should be basing their phrasing & articulation on the leader so that it sounds like a section” . Amen to that, so rare to hear it today.

[@liefonthewind]

This was both extremely helpful and fun to think of the road not taken as a student of someone like Bruce. Great video!

[@tonywarren2267]

So relaxed , so informative, so good to watch . So wise and educative . More please .

[@parker550]

Wow, now here's a man who KNOWS , no mess, straight talking clear instruction, doesn't come across thinking he's 'the man'... Great interview.. Tutor.. Player... Impressive 🎷👏👍👍

[@lawrencewylie2374]

Thank you for the excellent post. His comments on the physical aspects of sound production were refreshing. I'm on old fellow with much to learn. This is a five star interview.

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@konafama]

Big Solid! Thank you both! Great info.

[@danmcbmusic]

This made me go away and listen to Jackie Mac with new ears! Wow! So much great info, I want to give this ten thumbs ups! Thank you Mr Williams❤

[@mikeysax8352]

Awesome interview with greaaaat info. Thanks Jay wonderful job with this one Best wishes and stay safe everyone.🤓👍

[@annashole]

Fantastic Interview. Key take-away: The Saxophone is the Voice of God.

[@richardfletcher178]

Incredible comment!!

[@Jordondixonmusic]

Bruce Williams is an amazing saxophonist, a great teacher, and an overall great cat! DC misses “Big Solid”!

[@j.urrutia]

My goodness, what a great video.

[@texas1040]

Picked up the Saxophone about 30 years ago took a couple lessons and now I am going on 59 I’m showing another interest in it and looking at picking up a saxophone again.

[@NadavHbr]

Great interview- both the interviewee and the interviewer

[@johngirvin870]

fantastic to hear Bruce speak on all of this. I've had the pleasure to work with him on a few occasions, and his sound is just tremendous. As other's have written here, both the interviewer and the guest are top-notch. thanks for this!!

[@CarlyWaarly]

Terrific interview, someone who listens and lets the guest actually answer, this is because Jay has invested interest in his guests, he can learn from them and he knows it.

[@Spartan-jx1lf]

So much truth in this interview. Took me 4 hours x 4 years to learn how to play the Tenor semi decently. Keep playing keep practicing keep improving.

[@maximinotovar5798]

Awesome. Thanks for posting!

[@bettersax]

You bet!

[@ToolTechSoftware]

Best video i have seen for ages

[@activistarts7722]

Wow I could listen to him all day. Imagine the level of musical knowledge you have to be at to teach and coach the best players in the world.

[@kristiangreene8401]

Attending jazzhouse kids this summer and next year. Edit: My dream is to get into Juilliard so I think I'm on the right track!

[@JulianChanSax]

Love this! Bruce is definitely one of my favourite new generation of sax players! One foot in the tradition and another in the modern world. Thanks for this interview!

[@bettersax]

thank you Julian!

[@DavidBrown-rn6sr]

These interviews are simply great! Appreciate you continuing to do them Jay.

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Simply fabulous interview.

[@TheCoffree]

precious insights for all wind players! Thanks!!

[@michaeldonovan6076]

Vowels to shape ones throat,,Listening,,Reed Preparation,, Corect mouthpiece,,Listening to other instrument's and creating beautiful music,,impeccable interview this infermation has sunk in,,,one should reflect to attain but only the best in what perfection can achieve cracking interview I'm so glad this interview will be held for decades to come,,smashing,,Jay got so much from this beautiful interview.

[@lmertz]

Excellent interview and information. Thank you for your great work Jay.

[@apistosig4173]

A very insightful discussion with a lovely man - fabulous video.

[@lydian175]

Thank you for sharing this! Especially the shaping of throat also touging .🎶✌🏽😎🎷

[@ericweber5268]

Excellent interview! Thank you 🎶🎷

[@bettersax]

Thanks for watching!

[@meldavis7183]

Shout out for bueschers he mentioned in the video. I’ve got a tenor True Tone. Had it for 40 years. 1926 vintage

[@fabiopasqualini4899]

thanks for the valuable advice

[@robstevens9590]

This is gold! Thanks for doing & posting these interviews!

[@bettersax]

Thanks for watching!

[@GrahameEasthope]

Staccato, legarto, leghetto, femarto......let's call the whole thing off 🎵 😆 Great video Jay 👍

[@henrikbergman4055]

Ha ha ha ha. Man, I was too late.

[@scottraustin]

Wow. Fabulous interview on so many levels. Great sound. Professor Williams, is so articulate, concise but thorough points on so many areas you need. Long way from the days when Phil Woods had to attend Juilliard as a clarinet performance major (and composition) as sax was not offered as a legit instrument. From sound development to reed prep to who to converse with on the stand. Wish I could go back 40 years and audition for this man. Thank you both.

[@adityaharathi9399]

This was a very informative video, thanks Jay.

[@MrBbaker57]

This brother is the -hit! I would love to see some sit- downs with some lead trumpet players

[@josephsudlersr.7854]

Great interview on performance and keeping the mind open 😎

[@roanmccormick7923]

👌❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥Great lesson!

[@anthonypierre2094]

Awesome interview! I'm about a month into the sax as a complete beginner. I love it and I want to be good. This interview showed me that they are so many lvs to this thing, so much to learn and so much to work on. It's great to hear tips and advice from other great players and instructors!

[@stevegriffinsr.3558]

Great interview!! Got a whole lot of insight in such a down to earth manner. Loved it! Jay, great interview technique!

[@Noah-kg4yj]

This is a superb interview. Just letting a guy speak and impart wisdom. props to you Jay

[@daleclark5132]

This was so informative! Thanks Jay. It's one thing to listen to a pro like this man play his horn, but to get his insight and the real deal from his discussion is absolutely priceless! WOW

[@fbales]

Fascinating! Most of it way over my head, but so interesting.

[@agchambers1]

Wow! Great interview. Lots to contemplate. Thanks!

[@zmirc]

Very interesting stuff. Thank you

[@tonyr.4778]

Great video, great guest. Thanks.

[@1billiedale]

Brilliant interview from a master player and teacher with golden tips for the alto student.

[@dfirmani]

This is gold. Even as a beginner this makes huge sense to me

[@richardatkinson7248]

Man, great advice!!!! Fantastic interview, great information......

[@sanjaysingh-ik9jy]

Mind blowing Sir. Listening you is divine

[@yato6772]

Wow... this is just what I needed thank you.

[@carvingCode]

Excellent interview. Thanks for putting this out. Importance of listening: something I know and keep doing less than I should. A good reminder.

[@rickstokes2239]

Jay and Bruce - Thank you so much. Very useful insights.

[@ClarenceWardIII]

Great interview

[@kbsanborn82]

Wonderful and valuable. Thanks, Jay!!

[@jobinmcdastard3426]

Great interview with an outstanding educator and player

[@MrMarkgideon]

This has been so informative. Thank you

[@isaiahd9947]

Thank you so much for this interview :) It gave me a ton of things to think about and to read about and to learn about.

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexbohler5959]

Bruce is an amazing player

[@kpoudavoff]

Great video , Jay!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Kirill!

[@martingjsmith]

What an absolutely fascinating interview. As a lover of the saxophone and it's players since my late teens, and a non-player, I found this quite an eye-opener and a huge insight into the intricacies of this wonderful instrument. SUBSCRIBED!!

[@FognarFoehammer]

That was very informative. Thanks, Jay.

[@joechislom9878]

Lots of helpful and valued information that’s practical great video

[@whereswaldo23]

This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[@cangers21]

This was soooo good ! Thanks Jay.

[@mboia]

Thanks, Jay, Make more of these whenever you can. ;)

[@arioscos]

Great respect for what you do Jay. I love the format in which you conducted the interview. Please keep them going.

[@stevewidney627]

Wow, Jay, what a great interview! Thank you!

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

Thoroughly appreciated information. Thank you 🙏