Saxophone Warm-Up

[@vladimirlopez7840]

The best dressed sax teacher and reviewer on KZbin.

[@drwallysax]

Ha, thanks Vladimir! I always say: "if you can't sound good, at least look good..."

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Saxophone Academy luckily you do both well.

[@patam-patam]

@@drwallysax Ma mère disait, pour plaisanter bien sûr : " Si tu n'es pas le plus fort, sois le plus beau" My mother used to say, for jocking : " if you're not the best, be the more beautiful" 😊

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

But he’s just in his underwear from the waist down. ☝️🥴

[@keithcampbell6806]

Dr Wally Wallace doesn't look and sound well. He looks and sound excellent.

[@williamdaniels512]

This channel is very underrated

[@drwallysax]

That's incredibly kind, thank you William!

[@living_strong]

This guy teaches with humor...i like this

[@tedrhoads366]

Dr Wally is The BEST !! Love his videos. SO DARN Helpful !!!

[@drwallysax]

Tempo Suggestions (complete oversight - got summer brain): Exercise Zero: 40-60bpm Overtones: 60ish bpm Vibrato: 60 - 88bpm (3 and 4 pulsations - vary each day) Murder Ballad: 80 - 120bpm Scale Relaxation: Varies greatly between players - stay RELAXED!

[@dougjsax]

Dr. Wally-on the overtone exercise, are you fingering the lower (written) note but playing the upper (written) overtone?

[@80guitarguy82]

My upper neighbor loves this video. Thx.

[@KadrianThomas]

Such a great video by an amazing teacher. I do warm up exercises every single day before I get to the meaty part of practice, and I can say that is one of the biggest contributing factors to my sound. I love it Doc. Thank you for all the additional tips that I shall hereafter add to my daily routine.🙏🙏👌👌

[@stratusphunk]

I’ve been doing this warm-up for a month now, and I like it. It forces one to focus on tone and time. But it takes me a half-hour rather than 10 minutes, and that’s even with playing only the first 5 or 6 of the overtone phrases (I can’t play the rest of them). I’m a 60-year-old intermediate-level player.

[@drwallysax]

I should add the disclaimer: 10 minutes for Dr. Wally. Still, I'm glad you're finding it helpful!

[@stratusphunk]

@@drwallysax I am. The warm-up seemed simple when I heard Dr. Wally play it and saw mostly half notes and quarter notes and eighths. But to play the exercises all properly and make them sound good is hard. Thank you for all the instructional videos you do! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series on improvisation.

[@drwallysax]

@@stratusphunk Bring your horn this Sunday, we're going to have some fun improvising! Also, this IS Dr. Wally, I'm always the one answering questions and making bad jokes in the comments. Happy Tuesday my friend!

[@alessiodelperugia]

Hi Doc, i started using your warm up tips plus I added a quick dynamics exercise: fade in for 1 measure and fade out for another measure for a few notes. Best regards! With love

[@drwallysax]

Excellent addition! Happy new year!

[@genec9560]

Just awesome!!! But for me it’s my whole practice; someday will be a nice warm up. A goal to shoot for. I’m a hobbyist beginner.

[@joeblankenship377]

"Don't worry about playing scales fast" [plays scales fast]

[@drwallysax]

It wasn't "that" fast. But you may have a point...

[@jpdj2715]

About to watch, looking through comments. I think, when I have seen him do that, I will think, true, and he never worried.

[@mourafmarcos]

Very useful exercices. Great.

[@raulluisalmercoramos8416]

Muchas gracias por sus enseñanzas que es muy valiosa que tenga muchos éxitos Dr

[@drwallysax]

¡De nada! Hazme saber si tienes alguna pregunta. ¡Feliz practicando mi amigo!

[@Debukochi]

I have been playing >50 years but I still find that I need to warm up my ear as much as my fingers, embouchure, and brain. I guess I’ve always had a bit of a tin ear (i.e., I ain’t got no perfect pitch).🙄 My first few minutes are just some warmup scales which I now play through the full range of the horn--thanks to your recommendation, BTW. If, at this point, I don’t play chord tones with a drone for the tonic and a tuner for the other notes, I find my ear adjusting to being out of tune for the rest of the practice session (which I always record). One might think that, after many years, I wouldn’t need tuning “training wheels” during a warmup, but I do. (OK. Maybe now I’m a little fussier about playing in-tune then I was during my youth.)

[@Saxamaphonegirl]

4 months ago, middle aged mother of two, and one time half decent Saxophonist, is late night surfing Instagram and finds a humourous and informative chap reviewing all things Saxophone. She sees he has a warm up book and it's free, so thinks "why not?". Downloads said book, plays warm ups quite a bit, amongst a variety of other things, in an effort to rebuild her shoddy underdone chops. 4 months later, said middle aged woman is late night surfing KZbin and finds a video of said book. Talk about doing things in the arse about order! That's me. 😂 Good to hear it from the master though, so now I'll refine some things in tomorrow's practice session. Just one question, in the Tone Study, are you not a fan of E?

[@drwallysax]

Ha! I made the handout and video during 30 minute breaks while taking care of my kids last summer. I'm surprised it doesn't have MORE errors and omissions!

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Love your channel man. Don’t forget to pick up that sax near the desk for us tenor players 😁🙌🏽❤️

[@drwallysax]

We've got tenor exercises galore these days.

[@markusguler7079]

Great stuff, thanks!

[@saxofix4456]

Hey Dr, This channel is great. Thanks for the insightful videos sir 🙌🏽

[@drwallysax]

Thank my friend, happy practicing!

[@giuseppeesposito4752]

thank you sax academy great channel (in the tone study in G maj perhaps was wrong)

[@drwallysax]

Good catch, thanks. I knocked out the video (and .pdf) while taking care of my two young kiddos last summer - miracle it got done, but not surprised there's errors. Thanks, have a great weekend!

[@luisfigueroa4598]

I am working on prep reeds. I wrote to you before. You got back to me really quick. Thanks. Any insight into reed prep?

[@dennis9242]

Great video, Doc. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

Hope it helps! MUCH more coming next month - full year-long fundamentals course with more warmups, exercises, and technical studies. All free!

[@danielkillorin9742]

I played sax a while ago and I’m just picking it up again and need exactly this to re harden my chops

[@drwallysax]

Yes! Glad you're playing again!

[@BenjaminCrouch]

Great warm up! Question: For exercise zero, do you change articulations based on whether you're doing a jazz or classical warm up? I suppose ditto for the other exercises. You mention vibrato (and mouthpiece), but is there anything else you change in your warm up based on what you're practicing for the day?

[@drwallysax]

I try to keep articulations light and genre neutral. Once I get to technical exercises, I introduce bop articulation on jazz days. Great question!

[@pas0003]

Another fantastic video! As a sax beginner, long tones are a struggle. Great exercises!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend, glad this is helpful!

[@laurielyon7740]

Another great clip..........and I don’t even play the saxophone. (I’m a clarinet player). However, these clips are invariably informative and entertaining.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks, Laurie! You should sell the torture stick and buy a saxophone! Join us....JOIN US!!!!

[@laurielyon7740]

@@drwallysax Haha.......the thought has entered my mind!. I’m 73 this month and took an almost 45 year hiatus from my clarinet. Picked it up a few years ago and I’m working hard. TOO HARD!!! Even bought a Buffet R13. But as you know, it’s an unforgiving sucker. Nonetheless, I’m enjoying the process. Anyway.........very much enjoy your clips, as I said. And yes.......that Yamaha 62 looks inviting. Stay healthy!!

[@URKOVAI97]

Love your channel

[@ricaard]

What kind of alto is that, and what is that ring inside the bell? 😳

[@DJsilversax]

Thanks for the great warm-up, It would be really useful to hear you play through the whole of exercises in this warm-up. Also do you use a tongue or breath attack when you play Bb very quietly?

[@drwallysax]

Tongue! Great question - check out my latest video for the technique. next month I'm launching a year long fundamentals course with hundreds of exercises (for free). it will include expanded Exercise Zero with demos. Stay tuned!

[@briandenigan9832]

Excellent channel!! So great to have an expert dive into all things saxophone related. Thank you for taking the time to provide all of us (pros and amateurs alike) this valuable information. Quick couple of questions...Is that an older, unlacquered Z and do you still prefer that, or do you like the 875 EX ll better? Lastly, what is the ring in your bell? Some type of sound enhancer? Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Brian, thanks for the kind words and great questions! 1. It's actually an 875EX that I had the lacquer removed, with a gold plated M1 neck. I do prefer the EX and EXii to the 82Z, primarily because I like a warmer, west coast/cool jazz sound (and for classical). 2. It's a traditional "mute" or "donut mute" as it's often called among classical players. Unfortunately, a lot of KZbinrs seem to think it's intended to make the horn quiet (like those weird contraptions that enclose the saxophone to practice). It's not. It's used to lower the pitch of low Bb and B, both of which are VERY sharp. I've got a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jIeIuqqrF0j5o Welcome to the Academy! Hit me up with questions, and happy practicing!

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

I have this propane heater when it cold in my shed 😜🎶🎵🎷

[@rapidevelo]

I have a question about your watch choices in this video. Do you find that wearing a Vostok Amphibia is functional for playing exercises while the Lorier Falcon is more appropriate for formal teaching activity? Did I guess the watches correctly? Awesome video! Thanks for your help.

[@drwallysax]

The Vostok costs less than 3 boxes of reeds, so it’s a great choice for banging around microphone stands and camera tripods. The Lorier Falcon matches my socks.

[@rapidevelo]

Saxophone Academy Question #2: Are your socks gilt like the Lorier or are they more black nylon with a gold toe?

[@danielmarshall1753]

@@rapidevelo lol, I'm a watch geek as well, and I noticed the watches. It's good to be among like minded folk!

[@trobson9952]

Dear Dr. W. , Can you recommend a practice routine for just mouthpiece reed and ligature ? Did Sigrid Rascher have one? Thanks

[@drwallysax]

I don't have a routine, because I don't actually do mouthpiece exercises. It helps keep my house a happy home.

[@comprendoo]

Thank you ❤️🎷

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching! I’ve got some fun content planned for 2020, hope you stick around!

[@patam-patam]

Hi Doc ! Thanks a lot for all these very interesting videos. They are cool in the same time. In this one i wonder what is that kind of ring i can see inside the bell of your saxophone?

[@drwallysax]

hey Patrick, it's a bell mute! I made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jIeIuqqrF0j5o

[@patam-patam]

@@drwallysax Thank you very much. Best regards from France .

[@trobson9952]

Dear Dr. W. . Excellant warm up practice. However the low bfllat sounds similar to a bell bouy during fog. Is it because of lack of alto depth ?

[@drwallysax]

Do you mean a fog horn?

[@josephsachleben6081]

Looks like something to add to my routine

[@l.j.2917]

yeah I need this Doc! Because I totally tried to jump into playing the other day and sprained a finger! smh :(

[@drwallysax]

Ouch! warm up slow my friend! I'm in my 40s and careful to warm up the ol' joints! When the pandemic is over (or i'm pumped full of vaccine) - I'll get a yoga teacher friend over to do a stretching video for the academy. I'd do it myself - but I'm not wearing spandex on camera.

[@julast6658]

2:23 warm up starts

[@donnaevans6124]

Great stuff and good fun

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Donna! Let me know if you have any questions and have a great weekend!

[@nicodawal8584]

Hello there dr. Wally.. i do have a 2nd hand couesnon monopole conservatoire alto sax. Im newbie this instrument. What can u say about this brand? Thank you

[@MartinUtzurrum]

hi sir. I look up to you and ur lessons! thank you! How much does that ring in the bell help? is it made of metal?

[@bluegoose555]

he posted a video on them.. $15- $20 (Sax Mutes) he reckons they work well.. plastic

[@drwallysax]

Being an American, we don't "reckon." I do love that word, but without the Australian accent, it just doesn't work. But yes, for classical it's great for lowering the bell tones in tune!

[@thesouthernbrass]

@@drwallysax Wellllll... 'round THESE parts there are those that have a tendency to reckon... God Bless the South :D

[@drwallysax]

@@thesouthernbrass and pass the gravy

[@georgeluna5845]

Tom Dooley is my favorite.

[@drwallysax]

I'll check that out - love a good murder ballade!

[@sleepsmartsmashstress740]

The best dressed sax teache

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend!

[@sleepsmartsmashstress740]

@@drwallysax Ok friend

[@sleepdoctor09]

@drwallysax hi doc, what is the funky ring in your bell? thanks for the v ideo

[@larrymitts566]

I love your warm-ups, never knew what to have my saxophone players warm up with. However, on your tone studies when you hit the key of A, you start on the wrong note. If you would edit that in your warm-ups I’d be ever so grateful. Thanks I’m gonna use it with a lot of students

[@drwallysax]

Hi Larry, I have the worst editor (me). I'm releasing the tone studies in full fundamentals course next month - includes 3 more folk tunes in 12 keys. I believe it's correct there. I'll see if I can rectify the warmup .pdf - but can't promise it happening anytime soon. Can I assume you're a band director? what grade level? Happy new year!

[@larrymitts566]

@@drwallysax retired 35 year high school director. I’ve got 30 students that I see every week, sax, clarinet, flute and piano with 2 trombone players (go figure).

[@drwallysax]

@@larrymitts566 a fellow vet from the trenches! (I served a few in high school and middle school band).

[@jacquiobrien9948]

Please could you explain something about the overtones section. Are you playing the notes at the bottom half of the music with your fingers, but aiming for the upper notes without using the register key?

[@jacquiobrien9948]

OK, I just found your video on overtones. My mind is a bit blown TBH.

[@drwallysax]

Great! Good luck and hit me up with questions!

[@willistaylor4077]

Are the metal mouth pieces usually the jazz ones ?

[@drwallysax]

There used to be a popular metal classical piece made by Selmer, but these days they’re generally jazz.

[@quisick8600]

Is it ok to use a different tune for the tone studies

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely! Play what you love!

[@urieljesferdilingod8077]

Is this also applicable for soprao sax?

[@drwallysax]

absolutely!

[@willistaylor4077]

How many different mouth pieces would the average professional sax player use ?

[@drwallysax]

For most pros: 1 For many pros: 2 For me: too many

[@marcofuoco5280]

cool daddy

[@kiampakuingi9812]

For the exercise zero can you start with a low C isn’t of Bb, I don’t have a very good tenor sax so my low Bb always sounds out of tune

[@drwallysax]

I'd strongly recommend doing Bb. It's going to be crazy sharp on the saxophone (being overly vented), but it's all about air volume and tone! We can bring it in tune later via voicing (or a mute, if you're a classical nerd).

[@stangetz534]

Thanks for the tips. I didn't see where you earned your Phd from.

[@drwallysax]

UNC at Greensboro. Highly recommended for jazz studies. I would not got there for a saxophone degree (I had a terrible experience).

[@shahabeddinchilan727]

rhythm at 6:25!

[@drwallysax]

I should fire my editor. Wait, that's me...

[@lejazz6938]

@@drwallysax ;)

[@ronmcdonald466]

It's that a mute ring in your sax or you happy to see us? (Sorry. Couldn't resist.) But seriously I am looking to rekindle my sax playing without getting divorced.

[@drwallysax]

it fixes low tone intonation - but won't fix your marriage! (or make the saxophone any more quit). It's a bad name for the accessory -but not my fault!

[@nyssasolano]

2:26

[@davorgrzunov1759]

Little less talk little more action