Simple Practice Tricks That BOOST Your Technique

[@Saxologic]

This was my FIRST (and probably only video lol) to have a over 1K likes and 0 dislikes. Thank you for the incredible streak!!!

[@riptide534]

No problem Nathan!

[@superoscaret]

Because this is very good advice. I play the saxophone and the viola and they taught me the same exercise on both instruments. Congrats, keep up the good work!

[@tatarsauce6314]

So you have chosen....dislikes

[@SuperMaDBrothers]

I wonder what the highest number of likes has been before a dislike. Screw the first disliker though.

[@samuelbrown434]

and now there are 19 haters...

[@ahmedajabi2654]

"We tend to overestimate how much we can do in a day, but we tend to underestimate how much we can do in a month" That's pure wisdom!

[@onesyphorus]

_"We tend to overestimate what we can learn in a day, but also tend to underestimate what we can do in a month."_ - some random guy on the internet who happens to play sax.

[@fdaehbcswcfaqgh576]

That part with the “it’ll take about ten years” killed me

[@Saxologic]

I’m glad someone noticed lmaoooo

[@phukaoprommolmard5282]

Love the direction this channel is growing

[@sakuntalarichardson5231]

Cant read music. But listening for me is better cos then like you say you can play any thing. Thank you for your time

[@SLokutaR]

Grammar please.

[@rohannabendiola9897]

Yes

[@paulgentile1024]

This cat belongs on prime time television..

[@reubenbotha3331]

this is the best ad for a study book ever

[@racehoglund7251]

This is gold right here. People don’t talk about HOW to practice enough

[@DanielloSax7]

So true

[@erickim3638]

We talkin' about practice? Not the saxophone that I love and play so much, but practice? Not the sax that I can't stop playing because I have a passion for it, but practice? We talkin' about practice?!?! PRACTICE?!?!?

[@zoaltamam]

You are doing something not many people do in the education community! You are showing people what it means to practice slow, and to have purposeful practice, by demonstrating these concepts and making them less theoretical. There are lots of things in this video that would take students a lot of time to figure out, through trial and error and lots of disappointment, such as the different grouping of notes. By providing this guidance you are doing many of us a huge favor bro. Thank you very much for a unique approach

[@Saxologic]

It is an honor!

[@NelsonDellis]

I'm always asked for memory tips for learning music. Dude, some of these techniques are some really clever strategies to help you learn the music you're playing. Thanks for this!

[@Saxologic]

Nelson Dellis Hey man, I actually have a lot of advice when it comes to memorizing and internalizing music if you ever want to meet on campus and talk about it!

[@hania88888]

@@Saxologic if i wanna memorise a piece, i just play it A LOT and it somehow just remembers itself

[@ruefinj307]

I personally would like to see "Simple Practice Tricks That Improve Your Sound"

[@kaiserkled4425]

hell yes PLEASE

[@Saxologic]

@@kaiserkled4425 How to switch from classical to jazz series coming soon!

[@natec1490]

LOL

[@CORE1.8MINISTERIES]

I want to thank you. I am restarting learning the saxophone. Started learning in 4th grade and played till 8th grade. I tried off and on during high school but that was hard. There was no one else to play with and now I am 43 and on dialysis 3 times a week. I need to get back into this so I can play in church

[@NicHasegawa]

Hey man, I'm just gonna take this time to tell you that I'm a bass player and I don't play sax, but I love your channel my man. Thank you

[@Saxologic]

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Nichasegawa come to the bright side..... (Bass player here as well)

[@raginbakin1430]

Last time I came this early I became a father.

[@ithebeann]

gottem

[@jamesgutierrez5587]

Same

[@haydenmarshall3175]

W

[@Saxologic]

First comment I see. I'm not mad!

[@raginbakin1430]

Saxologic Ay, you replied! Love your vids! 😀

[@IsaiahSMC]

The setting goal,he’s right,I took an hour to learn my Lip trills on trumpet,parents got annoyed but didn’t mind,took 10 minutes break,practice another hour,and I today I can do it faster every day

[@leochavolla2263]

@Saxologic we should start a trend to "normalize" sounding bad in the practice room i.e. playing wrong notes or using awkward fingerings, bad tone, taking breaths in wrong places, etc. A lot of people including myself are afraid of practicing because we're afraid to be wrong, so something like a challenge to post a video of the worst sounding (but productive) practice routine would help diminish that fear. It is both humbling and encouraging to see that even the advanced players make mistakes.

[@noelbeltran2651]

Youre an amazing divine soul for posting these to help is beginners out. Thank you for your presence and energy, Essssspecially your comedic inserts, facials, and how you create such an ease to watch video from beg-end. The fact that you post the mess ups gives me hope to continue to better myself.

[@alexwillats]

This was so helpful, thank you. And great respect to you for showing your 'vulnerability'...I've bought your scale excersise book 🙂❤🎷

[@Saxologic]

Wooo! I appreciate it :)

[@HB-ve4wi]

This is so good! The key is to know not only what to practice but HOW - and you've got it! Thank you!

[@AndyBellPops]

Hey Kat you cleared the path for learning technique on the horn for so many of us newbies… including myself… rock on… Your illustrations make it all much more approachable Andy Sr./pops

[@calebprovencher7727]

Holy crap this is one of the clearest and most honest practice aid video ever. As I Clarinet player shredding through baermann exercises (college freshman woo) this is an EXTREMELY helpful video. Thank you

[@ys-sh4sw]

you’ve become my go to saxophone channel :) this video was very helpful and I love your way of teaching! ever since I’ve gotten into more advanced stuff, i’ve felt stuck in the same place and feel lost for how to improve. I really want to work on my jazz sound/technique and improv (I don’t even know where to start for improv or jazz) and also some classical technique as well!! Could you do some videos about those??

[@Saxologic]

Yes sir!

[@calebroyce4667]

This was actually very helpful , I’ve been playing sax for 6 years and I’ve never thought about it like this

[@sandralinares1579]

I haven't played flute seriously since 10th grade. I picked it up again last year after... but I reeeeeaaaalllllllyyyyyy want to learn how to play jazz flute !!! I've found a brilliant jazz flute professor youtube.. But my playing just isn't ready for his level of teaching. (I only know major and minor scales and my articulation and music fundamentals are lacking.. and I suuucckkk at reading rhythms, but I'm no where near a beginner either.... But your videos are the perfect level for me!!! I'm not lost when your discussing musical concepts and I'm learning new things too!! Keep going brother !!!!

[@alexkelsh]

Long Short Long Short Long is UNDERRATED- hardly hear anyone talk about this.

[@aidanmarano1732]

"give yourself about 10 years to learn that part" thank you, O wise and powerful Kenneth G

[@joshcharlat850]

The empathy you show is an important quality. Breaking it down in so many ways shows how much can be done with one sheet of music.

[@aaronrobinson9386]

I really appreciate the video and how you show your mistakes. A lot of times I feel really bad about my sound and intonation, and just everything about playing in general, even though I practice about more than an hour a day. Thanks for the motivation.

[@TylerSmith-rj7ms]

My middle school band director taught me the long short thing and I’ve used it ever since. Its surprising how well it works sometimes.

[@user-ti7iy1ql3c]

Thank you a lot for that video. There aren't that many videos that show the progress of a practise session. It is very good for the confident...

[@geekgaming9140]

After watching this,I'm glad to say that i use most of these techniques when practicing.They truly do help a lot especially with scales.

[@beckyn9338]

Nathan, I know I’m 3 years late on this, but this is so valuable. I have a piece in a concert band currently and the composer writes the saxes like we are flutes and clarinets! Pages of flying sixteenth notes going at 160. Holy crap, DUDE. Needless to say, I’m struggling. Speed is my kryptonite. So this will come in real handy…albeit tedious….but I understand the gains to be had. As to the point you make in this video, practice is usually not glamorous. Ah, but this is life. With greater work comes the greater gains. 😊 Btw loving you over at JLV! Just bought your standards course. Looking forward to taking it on!

[@tomrees4812]

I play trumpet and I went to watch a masterclass with Haken Hardenberger. He said when he gets a new piece to play he just plays the pitches quietly, no rhythm then obviously takes it from there. The point being he doesn’t just start by sight reading it like it was a tune. Also I had a trumpet teacher who suggested the dotted rhythm. However you have incorporated both these into your method and given advice how to implement them as well as demonstrating it. 100% for this video😊

[@bluscorpion]

It's very reassuring to see an excellent musician make mistakes and work on them. Thanks for sharing!

[@HeitorvitorC]

Dude. You are extremely talented. Just got a sax alto, Im currently looking for people like you to get inspired and learn all I can. Cheers from Brasil!

[@gusmarrero]

That was awesome. Thanks for sharing. Personally liked how the words attain , willing, and "the faster" were used. "Attain a goal or set a goal that is attainable" be "willing" and "the faster you can attain... becomes engranerad into your brain". I have your book and love it.

[@Saxologic]

You are a good man Gus! Glad you liked the video.

[@enriquethetrombonist1901]

Please never stop making you try be videos man, you are gonna get big you just have to wait a bit, you’ll probably be close to 100k by the end of the school year maybe more

[@Saxologic]

I appreciate that man. I am pretty content with what I have. I just want to help anyway I can and keep learning!

[@Dxrnit420]

please never stop making these videos

[@icebox6811]

Ugh. Definitely need this. Thanks, man.

[@ButterInMyMouth]

Holy fuck the timestamps. You are henceforth my favorite and most cherished youtuber/instructor.

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Sorry I add so many comments... But I had to let you know I used this today for a tricky part in boogie stop shuffle while I was at the beach. When I went to my goal tempo and nailed it twice in a row I was like “yes!!!!” Thanks Saxologic!!!!!!!

[@Saxologic]

Yes!!!!!!

[@flynnsowley1164]

This is such a great practice technique! I'm definitely gonna show this to my Jazz Band class. i think every musician should see this!

[@Saxologic]

Awesome! Please let me know if you do.

[@flynnsowley1164]

Saxologic definitely!

[@nathaniel.hovsepian]

This put into words exactly what I'm feeling with my playing. I'm just starting out my sax journey and am learning how to learn still

[@MariMari-to3pm]

Pa-rú , Pa-rú , Pa-rú worked good! I bought your book this morning, and i am happy with it! Pa-rú - Greetings from Hamburg Germany!

[@adamdarbyshire517]

I quit jazz cuz my new band director is a dictator so you’re my new teacher.... thank you professor :))

[@Saxologic]

Kim Jung Band :o

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Lesson is saxologically well presented, as always. Lohvissimo!

[@brinabourliea889]

A freshman purchased your book and brought it into his lessons last semester. I took a closer look over the holidays and am now using it in my studio at Southeastern Louisiana University. Bought my copy today. It totally got me out of the Londeix Les Gammes routine. Thank you, Nathan! Hope you make a couple of bucks on such a fantastic tool.

[@Saxologic]

Wow, what an honor! Thank you so much :)

[@vt6spd]

And it works, every time. I used your technique, broke down the parts, added up the tempo and then beat the goal. Thank you!

[@noriac4456]

I used to play the soprano saxophone back in church. Haven't touched it since I stopped going. But this channel makes me wanna get back to playing it.

[@martinthewisp218]

I loved the hand movement when you said "attain"

[@ITZTHEBEATLES4221]

He’s really out here giving A1 lessons thank you 🙏🏽😭

[@origintm3633]

Been here for about 2 years and I can say I have improved in those two years. You have inspired me to pursue music. I love this channel and it’s my favorite. All state is in sight this year thanks to your tips!!!🔥

[@matthewjackson7935]

This helps so much. I’m a freshman music major and I have an audition in a few days that I’m just not feeling and this helps so much.

[@jessyca9833]

The best videos I've watched about how to organize practice session🤩 🥺🙏🥺🤩

[@claraartnow6645]

As a classical musician, I confirm: this works so well 👍

[@MichaIsraelKovler]

Awesome, tnx, been practicing 35 years and feels like a new day tomorrow

[@myleslh7636]

I don’t know how people could dislike this. This is useful information!

[@natec1490]

So something I feel like we as players don’t hear enough about it proper hand technique. You did mention it in the video, but I think many people don’t care nearly as much about it as they should. If you truly want to improve your technique, you need to start playing at a tempo slow enough not that you can just play it, but you can reduce finger movement as much as possible, keeping your fingers on the keys, inside the cup of the pearl, and making sure your pinkies stay on the pancake keys, as well as keeping your palm touching the palm keys. And something I learned recently from mpulse is to make sure your fingers are moving only from the second joint, if that makes sense. Making sure that doing all of this is a priority in your playing can seriously benefit your technique.

[@Saxologic]

Fair enough! Though, I’ve seen some really weird technique that works for some people. Like, Melissa Aldana. Her fingers look awful when she plays, but when you close your eyes and listen, her lines are incredible fluid and even. But of course, I still do agree with you. My left hand pinkie needs a lot of work. It’s double jointed and it twitches when I move it in a certain way. I’m still gradually working on it.

[@hincapiej4]

My old mentor used to call it the claw.

[@efraing5264]

Your channel is pure gold! I'm a bassoonist, but I look always at saxophonist... All the best to your channel! Also your brother's channel is really cool!

[@bigaaron]

My teacher tought me the slow to fast and fast to slow method and it has been part of may practice ever since. Love your channel bro!

[@giovanniwalker4443]

I know we’re probably the same age or you’re a little younger, but I would love to take a zoom lesson with you just to pick your brain about how you approach saxophone practice. I’m conquering scales every day using this strategy! Again, thanks!

[@gloriaflores7664]

2:36 Him :so a key that I hate right know is f# major Also Him: plays it beautifully

[@davidbrannon363]

I am a guitarist and I am so thankful for u imparting your knowledge to all of us I can see how this will make a much better structured practice session for me I have 2 music teachers one based in jazz and blues the other classically trained and more prog rock orientated and still not hearing this advice basically thank u for taking the time to show us your methods

[@kuyaadriann]

straight up, this description slaps... like, hard in the feels 😫🤧 19:59 = my exact reaction

[@thesaxcafe457]

You still sound amazing even when you think you sounded ugly. 😊 Love your teaching and humour. Thank you

[@rashakor]

I wish i would have known or figured it out 30years ago. Thanks for uploading this up

[@theodoremasi5313]

Really boosts my self-confidence knowing that even people like him make mistakes 😭😭😭

[@melodyjoestar2528]

Yo bro, finding stuff like your videos always motivates me to keep on with the sax. Thank you so much

[@spookyfemme]

i'm so glad i found your channel! i picked up saxophone after not playing it since high school (12 years ago). i used to be really good (for a high schooler)! you've already taught me so much. still working on that embouchure... anyway, thank you so much!!!

[@shgh2695]

Dude, seriously extremely helpful. First doing this on clarinet, but definitely gonna do this on my tenor later.

[@jazzer1391]

Definitely you are the best teaching Sax Guy in all YT. Love your videos ❤

[@MikeySaxMusic]

Yup! 🙌🙌🙌Okay, so I knew about long short, and short long... you nearly blew my mind w the 12, 123, and the 1234... I always thought all you needed was long short and short long... but now I have a new tool in my belt... Thank you, Saxologic!

[@Saxologic]

You are welcome Mikey Master!

[@terenceosorio6680]

I don't even play saxophone, but this is easily a great sounding practice routine for any instrument. Nice facial expressions too lol

[@KleinkMusic]

I have an all-state audition in a few weeks and this advice helps a lot! My main focus is the tech etude (Ferling no. 12) And I've been taking it really steady and made amazing progress!

[@jerrodshack7610]

Good luck on AllState, it's an awesome experience

[@KleinkMusic]

@@jerrodshack7610 I'm only really doing it because it's a requirement for the top ensemble. If I get in, it's a nice bonus.

[@danguerrera]

Man, I wish you taught trumpet. You are an excellent teacher.

[@patrickbonilla1183]

Thanks for tip no. 2, better way in practicing appoggiatura

[@theclarinetdude4258]

My band director used your video as an example to explain some techniques for practicing!

[@Animefreakinfiniti7]

1:44 I think it's the same way with any instrument. I tell my students the exact same thing. The further you long and the more you understand, the easier it will be for you to learn new things faster.

[@marcopaladino8506]

Is that my impression, or every time you finish the phrase I hear "I will always love you" of Whitney Houston? Thank you for this video, I will use these tricks in my studies for saxophone. This reminds me to be patient and don't be anxious to finish fast a music book. Un grande saluto by Italy

[@giovanniwalker4443]

BOI. Just tried this routine to relearn my scales and woooooow. I can’t believe it worked Lol Thanks for the tip! Will definitely be using this routine more often! If you had a patreon I’d totally support you man!

[@shaunfernando5349]

You're a legend for showing this, my sax practise is much better. Thanks alot man

[@SassyKatREEEEE]

Don't even own a sax but really want one because of your vids and bettersax's vids. Love the vids dude

[@chrisblahblahh4468]

The devil is in the details. Thank you very much for having done this video. You're the man. Much luv

[@SoundAdventurer]

Dude, your videos are hilarious. Such good information, too, and so well explained. Subscribed, and I don't even play saxophone!

[@nelsondevereauxmusic]

Keep that air velocity going! Love the channel dude!

[@johankriel406]

Thank you for the delightful caption.

[@ManelRuivo]

best video description ever. its like 2005 and you need to do a blog haha

[@dantemajasi-reed1229]

4:43 I need to wait until my body is ready!

[@Saxologic]

Lmao glad u understood

[@dantemajasi-reed1229]

@@Saxologic Sweet, also thanks for your help! Now I can look at a piece of music, kick it's ass *and* take its name!

[@ODbass]

That's actually very helpful thank you

[@moonbaguette383]

Hi man, I just found your channel, very interesting and cool guy. I start jazz 4 years ago and still don't really know where to start, thanks for the vids, oh and I'm a guitarist

[@insertfulnamehere]

You, sir, have earned yourself a new subscriber

[@Ted_DiSanti]

I legit returned to this video so I could use this for a homework assignment for my Literature and Pedagogy class. Thanks. PS your subscriber count nearly doubled in the 6 months since this video was made

[@molestingmoss5883]

5:22 is the reason i don't practice, hitting wrong notes in a row is a major bummer since I feel subconscious and feel like everyone, including my neighbors, can hear me failing lol, but i did pickup some tips and am saving up for the book it looks very complete and your videos complement it greatly so thank you :)

[@augustosantos708]

my pratice life resumes in before and after that video. Thanks.

[@JarlTryggve]

Well... ya sold me. I’ll be buying the ebook :)

[@ToyRules33]

The bro got me playing like Kenny G

[@2D2Productions]

I just bought the book. Super excited to dig in. This is exactly what I need right now. Your videos are a blast. Cheers!

[@BrunoNeureiter]

Please everyone read the description

[@gusmarrero]

long and funny and good

[@Saxologic]

You caught me!

[@lisawanderess]

Loved it! 😂

[@noelbeltran2651]

Worth it!! He’s super hilarious and now i want to read all descriptions of hia videos hahahahah!! Reminds me of my friend’s descriptions to parties... it goes waaay off tooic which makes it even better!!!

[@johankjolbro9064]

stuff like this is super cool, i'd love to see some more stuff where you describe how you practice

[@johankjolbro9064]

so many videos about what to practice but never about how to practice

[@brittanyatterberry]

Seriously! This is Gold Content. College level info. Bravo for sharing.

[@gerardocarrasco7565]

Thx bro, I love your videos, you give me a ton of laugths. Also I love see how is growing this channel, you´re awesome!