A Saxophone Lesson at Juilliard with Bruce Williams

#bettersax #saxophone #saxophonelessons
Jay Metcalf interviews Bruce Williams and gets a saxophone lesson from him at Juilliard.
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[@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?

[@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... :)

[@louisthomas7942]

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

[@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 🎷😎✌

[@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.

[@gosneygosney]

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

[@bettersax]

More to come!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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".

[@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

[@book3100]

Patience. Practice. Perseverance.

[@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.

[@joeblankenship377]

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

[@jaymichael91]

Best interview ever. Love his breakdown of different techniques.

[@dwhemmings]

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

[@geokaks1]

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

[@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❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@DeMariusJackson]

Outstanding video! I wish I could study with him!

[@bettersax]

Thanks man

[@richardcomard6151]

I've had my H.Klose book since 1970. Rag eared and yellowing. It smells like practice.

[@pokespencer23]

Richard Comard It smell like practice 😂.

[@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.

[@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,

[@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 🎷👏👍👍

[@atelierfurimprovisiertemus9604]

it's great to get to know people like you and to listen to what you have to say, it's also very helpful but for me it's very clear if i don't practice get nothing

[@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!!

[@fbales]

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

[@derekakien7379]

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

[@richardcomard6151]

Wow, this cat has some real life knowledge. Great interview!

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

Simply fabulous interview.

[@DavidBrown-rn6sr]

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

[@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.

[@c.b.blackburn8285]

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

[@ToolTechSoftware]

Best video i have seen for ages

[@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.

[@Noah-kg4yj]

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

[@WestonLewin]

Thank you for providing us with this interview, Jay! Spreading necessary and practical knowledge! Stay healthy!

[@claragary]

Jay, thank you so much for these videos of great teachers in the art of playing sax! They give us a wealth of knowledge!

[@jmconnollyus]

I love these series of interviews that you’ve put out lately. Interviewing other artists can be very difficult - the temptation is always to add your opinion or thoughts. You do a great job of asking great questions and then letting the artist answer in their own way. Have learned a TON from the folks you’ve talked to and look forward to more.

[@rickstokes2239]

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

[@nafawi7965]

Big Solid! Thank you both! Great info.

[@jooelewis]

Bruce is THE DUDE.

[@markdrezdzon7542]

Great interview! Glad to hear that going through the Rubank Advanced Method books and the Universal Method was not a waste of time. Having more fun now with the Pentatonic Foundations and Patters courses! One thing he mentioned -- playing the same music on different days is always different -- is so true!

[@daviddiamond2415]

Extremely helpful. As a flutist, just beginning on my sax journey, when I listen to artists’ performances, I am always listening for intra-note nuances, phrasing variations, articulations, etc. Bruce took my listening to a deeper level of detail. And Jay expertly facilitated it. Thank you Bruce and Jay!

[@virus8377]

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

[@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

[@alexbohler5959]

Bruce is an amazing player

[@donbisch4853]

Great interview Jay! Loved this. So many great insights. Would love to see a part 2.

[@rreganjjohnn]

That is a classic interview Jay I learned so much from Bruce and I thank you for sharing this video with us

[@liefonthewind]

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

[@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!

[@lifesummit73]

This was a great interview, Jay. So cool to get to connect with so many amazing teachers and players out here on the BetterSax channel. Like you always say, we learn so much by listening, and not just to their music, but to their words as well. Thanks!

[@richardcomard6151]

Thanks, gentlemen. That was fantastic.

[@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.

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Love that he shouted out Go Go music.

[@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!

[@josepcasuto8602]

I love his sound

[@Taj203]

This is gold! Thank you!

[@1billiedale]

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

[@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.

[@whereswaldo23]

This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[@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.

[@lydian175]

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

[@brycebaliko7050]

This great content: from the composition of the shot to the editing to (obviously) the interview itself. Thanks for sharing!

[@robstevens9590]

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

[@bettersax]

Thanks for watching!

[@kbsanborn82]

Wonderful and valuable. Thanks, Jay!!

[@JorgeCastillo-cb2wp]

wow, what an amazing interview. I fell like he has researched so much into other people which clearly has made him this good. This is the most I've ever learned from someone just talking about playing saxophone. Very informative.

[@dfirmani]

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

[@arioscos]

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

[@Naesman1167]

The section on sound blew me away. So few Sax instructors really pay attention to the mechanics of sound. Reviewing your mouthpiece and subtle changes to your embouchure. Brilliant. Listening to the masters to try and emulate tone and articulation not just how to play the lines as fast as possible... So many teachers focus too much on the notes and not what goes into being musical..

[@carvingCode]

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

[@TheCoffree]

precious insights for all wind players! Thanks!!

[@sergej100qca4]

This might be the best video you have posted! These long interviews are amazing! Maybe interview someone about bebop language?

[@stevenf.2620]

A terrific and informative interview. I've been at it again after more than 50 years. I'll get the Rubank books he suggested.

[@mboia]

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

[@shacharyosfan7190]

Thank you so much for this Jay! It was a genuine gem, as an intermediate player I feel kind of stuck with developing better sound. That was so helpful for me after months of suffering. Keep up the hard and good work, and most importantly stay safe and healthy you and your family. S

[@gabrielhammond5325]

This video just spoke to me because I am really trying to focus my sound and his advice was really useful

[@Th3MaiNEv3n7]

He and you are awesome!

[@ickeyshufflin1288]

Well done Jay- great interview!!

[@Jordondixonmusic]

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

[@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!

[@saxophonemechanic5454]

Thoroughly appreciated information. Thank you 🙏

[@martintojoigoa8846]

Great lesson! I feel very identified with most of the concepts. Very helpful for Me.Thanks a Lot!

[@captpat6421]

Great interview Jay! Bruce is a very cerebral player, and he appeals to the engineer and me. I got a lot out of his discussion of vowel throat shapes that I am going to put into practice on my long tones today.

[@sarahmicklewright]

Great info here! So very interesting. Loved his sound on that alto. Biggest takeaway for me was opening the throat which I’ve been told about before but not really understood until now. Thank you Jay!

[@stevewidney627]

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

[@paoloalbano4690]

Great video ! Great interview, loved the part on 1st Alto... I could hear again all that my director tells me from 5-6 years. I'll go to practice right now. Thanks Jay !

[@TysonBensonThe1st]

I've learnt so much watching your videos Jay. I've always enjoyed listening to sax. I'm teetering on the edge of buying a good student sax. One of these day's I'll take the leap.

[@sanjaysingh-ik9jy]

Mind blowing Sir. Listening you is divine

[@apistosig4173]

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

[@Ryan-ok8lk]

This guy is fascinating to listen to

[@lmertz]

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

[@jeffreyharrison4045]

Holy Cow! Absolutely fantastic interview. As intermediate alto student, I learned tons! Time for me to practice smarter. Thanks to this video, my time will be better spent.

[@I_M_Nonno]

What a wealth of knowledge and information conveyed in this video. I've watched it twice and will return again. Kudos to you Jay for conducting a great interview. There are a lot of professional talking heads that could learn a lot from how you performed this interview. Cannonball is my fav! Jay Beckenstein doesn't get the credit he deserves either.

[@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.

[@jobinmcdastard3426]

Great interview with an outstanding educator and player