Sax Practice Secrets | 3 critical tips!

Dr. Wally shares 3 saxophone practice secrets to make the most of your practice session.
0:00 Secrets
0:53 Habit Stacking
2:03 The ULTIMATE SECRET
3:24 The Metronome and You
4:07 Counting example
5:05 Buying the RIGHT metronome
5:48 Questions are the Answer

[@lukeserrano62]

My tip - consciously to be aware of and use one of various practice modes. You can invent your own, but I like these: 1, 'recording mode' playing so clean that if it were recorded that would be a good take 2, 'live gig mode' playing clean but taking occasionally more risks for extra spontaneity 3, 'experimental mode' pushing your boundaries and aiming for failure - this could be finger technique, range, dynamics, articulation speed etc. or a combination. 4, 'warm up or cool down mode' - a meditative focus on getting all of the elements coordinating with physical awareness and mental and emotional clarity.

[@drwallysax]

Love it :)

[@wreckingrow6566]

"Jazz enabled metronome!" Ha! That explains a lot!

[@drwallysax]

Right? Why did no one ever tell me this secret!

[@user-nh2li1om5s]

Angertainment...my new word of the day!

[@akitikallc6161]

Bravo! Excellent presentation and humor! As a tip...have a long term project that you work on in, at most, 5 minute chunks. What kind of stuff? The kind of stuff that people explain, but it doesn't really make sense until you figure it out for yourself. As clear examples of this kind of stuff, maybe things like double-tongue techniques, altissimo overtones, circular breathing, humming while playing, vibrato...

[@williammccrary8222]

Currently I am working with the Klose book, specifically exercise 3. I am working on it in three different keys: C, C#, and C-flat. I find that by isolating certain passages and repeating them without pausing it enables me to progress faster. For example, I repeat the first 10 measures because the last note of the 10th measure nicely sets up the transition to the first note of the first measure. Just a by-the-way: Dr. Wallace is a goof-ball but in a good way.

[@danielsinanian5649]

Writing brackets on music so I practice the hard part immediately. It is often later in the song and tempting therefore to gloss over it.

[@dksax]

Hey Dr. Wally. One thing that helps me get practicing, is just watching and listening to saxophone players. Usually my motivation skyrockets when I'm watching someone on youtube playing saxophone. Hearing it is one thing, but watching and hearing helps me immensely.

[@jesusbalandin]

Marvelous teacher you are , my tip: be patient with yourself specially if you are learning to play saxo

[@drwallysax]

Oh heck yes. Rome wasn't built in a day. But I think my old Jeep Cherokee was. That thing broke down constantly.

[@CKBrew]

Very good to be reminded about tips every now and again!!

[@robstevens9590]

I do a lot of my listening when I'm driving. As far as metronomes: I usually play along with backing tracks to work on my rhythm. I had a metronome that had a very irritating click. It was more of a distraction than a help. My brother, who is a piano teacher said, "When you buy a metronome, get a cheap one, so you won't regret it, when you throw it against the wall." Ha

[@jamesbshannon]

Scale patterns with different articulations ,arpeggios and triads. Part of daily practice.

[@EDuardoWilkinson]

When I am tired and ready to practice or I start practice, and the Tenor Sax dosen't sound good, is time for a music candy, I play a couple of songs I like and harmonize, or play some notes following the melody, not so much improvising but following the singer, cures my tone is fun and gets me more enthusiastic about my practice, it is fun.

[@tobiasfatherbornkingthejed1344]

I like the humor you incorporate… thanks for the tips… picked up the alto fairly recently…

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Mandatory: one of the scales that go the full key range of the instrument from your fundamentals book. Example, page 17. The full page. This brought my embouchure and sound quality from good, to excellent. Now, always part of a practice. I can now gauge my quality and use it to improve speed and accuracy.

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

Still learning ! Just started keeping a practice log, and starting my session by writing down a couple or three goals helps keep me productive and on point. That can include a long-term goal, too: increasing speeds while learning all major, minor, and chromatic scales. I start the week with a metronome setting, then increase by 10 or 15 bpm and cycle them again, then try to cycle them again with another bpm bump. Tomorrow I start over, but start 5 or 10 bpm faster than today. Write in the practice log the start and ending bpm. My teacher says this will help me learn the keyboard, all keys, and if you do this slurred helps your fingers sync up better. Tracking the bpm also helps me compete with myself. Thanks Dr. Wally!

[@cheknfaks]

Glad to hear you mentioned about habit stacking and the importance as I have still have some old ones that need attending too.. lol and using methods you spoken about.. spending more time listening to more jazz while doing things has been such a great help in my improvement and understanding the language. I seemed to learn faster by sight and ear vs theory and studies but I know they matter so forcing habits to study is my weakness but must be done bcuz frankly Doc I need the veggies and cant live on sweets alone. ..My secret is playing along to instrumentals I can relate to.. Almost as I am dancing to the song but through the sax and already have the melody in my head, I started w easy, simple melodies that are repetitive but enjoyable to listen to.. from funk acid jazz, blues, to various jazz artist or slow bebop melodies that I can play long tones to and helps tremendously with my altissimo which i now can play somewhat a bit easier and cleaner. This will be my 2nd yr. off and on practicing and just plain out playing for hrs at a time to songs for fun. Thank you for another inciteful video and as always inspiring, and WE love you Dr. Wally!🙏🙂✌

[@SVTapatya]

Excellent!

[@Stevecollinsclear]

your 'call and response' segments - Finally moved me from someone who has NEVER played with ANYbody ever, - to someone who at least now has experienced the joy of interacting with another person musically . much respect

[@drwallysax]

this does my heart good :)

[@hflynnjr]

Great Video Wally! I've just purchased my first "Jazz Enabled" metronome on Amazon...so I'll tell you how it works in 2 days. Also, there are some interesting ways to increase your internal monologue, and it's even legal in some states. Thanks for all the practice tips. I may find some more singing in my practice time followed by apologies to anyone around. Thanks, See you next week!

[@saxyfone8141]

real talk dr wally wallace, you make me WANT to practice

[@dorag4482]

Thank you for sharing your professional advice. Especially the one about listening to music like jazz.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for listening!

[@paulvelat6079]

I would just say what has worked for me is the use of regular time. I have practiced one hour a day, not including 2, or even 3 hour gigs on any given day, every day since July 17 2017. That was the day I tried my first saxophone and today I am playing gigs with several groups semi regularly. Just like sleep hygiene, a commitment to one hour a day has made all the difference. What about vacations? yes, weekends? yes. I try not to miss as I did try once and could hear and feel a marked reduction in my playing. Malcolm Gladwell's 10000 hrs to mastery is something I do believe in. That's it really.

[@jimmeusey7110]

I really like the "define today's goal" kind of thing. I have a habit of drifting a bit. When I clean my shop, I usually end up finding some little project that would be really cool to finish right now and it would be a lot more fun than the cleaning I set out to do. I practice the same way. I'll start writing the note to myself tomorrow, or the next day for sure.. Oh, this pencil needs sharpening. Oh, the sharpener needs cleaning. And the erasure is wearing out, and my coffee is cold. I'll be right back. But seriously listening to Getz or Desmond is always better that listening to the news. Even if you don't play a sax.

[@drwallysax]

There is a brilliant scene in Malcom in the Middle where Bryan Cranston does the equivalent of "cleaning up my shop": kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5O2lpuZiZZsq5Ifeature=shared

[@djmileski]

Great lesson and comedy

[@juliajarvinen3175]

Metronome adjacent! I dream of being adjacent! I recently tried a metronome with a different sound on the first beat of the bar and discovered that I am acutely metronome agnostic. It is all pretend. But I reckon tip 2 will help me fix that. Thanks Dr Wally. PS. We Australians shall enjoy our spring while you enjoy your ... autumn.

[@brucechamberlain5042]

My practice improved dramatically when I started keeping a practice journal

[@Schmidt-Sax]

This content is very excellent and super 👍🏻

[@DirkJ.]

Great insights, I personally need to work on my memorization and (terrible) singing of my favorite lines. I would be stumped if put on the spot to do that. Excited for the hinted at tenor video!

[@drwallysax]

Don't worry about the quality of your singing! just being able to "vocalize" an approximation is greatly helpful!

[@yvesbajulaz]

It seems you only play the sax to indulge your true filmmaker talent.... great video as always. I returned my metronome... waiting for the jazz version... old one made me square.

[@neilripsch6624]

Love your tidbits of information. I laughed when you mentioned the shuffling of reeds, ligatures,etc., which has derailed me too many times. The hardest thing for me is being ready to practice and not getting the sound I was able to produce the previous day - nothing special - just a nice, easy tone. The hard reed pops up, then I question my #8 mp/reed combo I’ve loved for months. Oh how I wish it was a guitar that I tune through an electronic tuner - so simple and that C7 sounds just like it did for the past decade. But, it’s not that easy with sax - but I now go with a reed that works that day (same stiffness) and same mp - trying to eliminate variables and wasted time. Then, I warm up the horn - top to bottom, long times, a specific scale for that week, then listen to those songs I want to play, explore the key, chords, and rhythm - then work it out. I might not have it for a couple of days but it comes and I now have a new song. I wish I understood the chord progression enough to hear it and set it as I play. Finding songs and other performers who’ve played/sang it is very helpful. I can hear their voice as I play.

[@drwallysax]

"hearing" the melody as you play is fantastic! Great reason to learn the lyrics as well!

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

Blues Brother☮️🎵🎶🎷

[@dagadbm]

i have only a couple of weeks learning sax but right now my main focus is quality of sound, not really learning any music. just doing long tones, scales and overtone matching. and this is the part i want to talk about. when i am playing , I always use the tuner and if its out of tune . I find the corresponding overtone (using the lowest tube length I can) and I play that note and then play the real note again. then i start over (some notes before) to make sure I nailed the tuning. And to me this makes saxofone playing very meditational. i dont really care about any outcomes its just ok how can i make it sound pretty and then enjoy this listening progress.

[@j.r.1210]

I was cooking a pizza while listening to a delightful Wally Wallace video. Hope that counts as an appropriate stack. :)

[@HagamosLoImposible]

Atomic Habits, amazing book

[@drwallysax]

It REALLy is!

[@rickycornwall6221]

My tip would be ,is to play more than watch videos all day of how to play . Which leads to not playing ,practising, or improving. I know this from watching far too much and not playing or improving. Hence the note pad, and practising. Thank you, Wally . If honest playing 6 yrs equates to 3. And my frustration of not being where i want to be is down to me , watching not playing . Always listening love the musicians of all sax styles etc .

[@jimm4905]

Dr. Wally, sorry I was completely distracted during this lesson. I am completely mesmerized by that art deco ligature you have on your mouthpiece!

[@drwallysax]

What? The NEW Hyperion ligature? The brand new line of products from Vert Design Studios in collaboration with Wally Wallace? That ligature? 😉

[@verenaschinzel1677]

Don't stress yourself if something is not working out, (even if takes a lot of time sometimes), take a break, and calm down completely (deeply breathing, short walk in the fresh air, whatever helps you find your own method 😊), And everything will work out when your throat loosens a bit 😉

[@garymelhaff9327]

Something I've only recently integrated into practice....when trying a new thing focus on that (much more time devoted) one thing for several weeks. This is partially your fault btw....I wanted to learn slap tongue and had tried it with no results multiple times over the years but just once or twice in frustration with no result. This time (last couple of weeks) it's been a constant...I kept mpc on desk with legere reed and every hour or so try it again for just a minute or 2. Then one day - it worked. And every day since it's gotten stronger. It was that consistent perseverance and focus over short time that finally did it. Another trick for those of us who are home a lot, keep legere reed on your horn all day and pick it up repeatedly with specific goal each time but just for short sessions. It super helps alleviate the "I don't have time for a 2 hour practice today" syndrome that can result in no practice. It also helps with ability to do long tones (since it's isolated practice) and still be able to do other practice work later without your chops falling apart.

[@saxmanrex]

Great video Dr. Wallace!!! I consider Charlie Parker to be the greatest saxophonist of all time. Do you plan to do a video analyzing his technique and improvisational ideas?

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

so wonderful! this is so great...is it Tyler?.... My thing is, to practice something easy and repeat it so often, that on the end of the session, i´m able to do it. Something simple. Sometimes it takes a year, but then it is done! .........It is mine! no judgement i should be better It is what it is...very easy...no critics.....just go on

[@drwallysax]

Love it, success begets success. Have a great weekend!

[@marklangsax1168]

Transcribe. You are absolutely right when you talk about listening and transcribing is the most intense form of listening there is. Sing what you want to transcribe until you can sing it note for note. Do not read solos from written transcription. Useless for your ear. Throw your omnibook away, it's full of mistakes (sorry Jamey). Transcribing is hard at first but it gets easier. It really is a game changer.

[@drwallysax]

there is no substitute. Though, I looked for one for years 😂

[@constandinr8260]

Took me 4 years to realise that. No more exercises just fun!!!

[@tristansmith9149]

I couldn't source a jazz enabled metronome, but I did come across a left handed hammer.

[@robstevens9590]

Question: What would you say are the most difficult things, as an alto player, in adjusting and learning to play tenor?

[@bilbostoy]

Regularity, concentration, purpose, listen and analyze..

[@drwallysax]

Good list indeed ;)

[@bobpremecz5429]

Alright, so picture this: before we dive into the saxophone shenanigans like playing catchy tunes, I've got my students doing the saxophone version of a vocal warm-up. It's like the saxophone's morning yoga routine. I tell them, "Hold on to your reeds, folks!" We start with just the mouthpiece and neck - the unsung heroes of sax appeal. Now, we're not just making noise; we're crafting a symphony with our lips, tongue, lungs, oral cavity, and even throwing in a cheeky bit of throat action (if you're feeling fancy with that circular breathing stuff). It's like creating the Louvre of saxophone sounds, from a roar to a purr. Sure, some beginners might give me the side-eye at first. "What's this, saxophone meditation?" But after a few sessions, it becomes a routine quicker than you can say "sax-a-lot." Fast forward a bit, and when they finally slap that neck back onto the horn, it's not just a saxophone anymore; it's a magical wand of musical prowess. Instead of blindly jumping into the sax abyss, we're talking precision here. My ears give a standing ovation, and the student? Well, they're ready to conquer the saxophone world, one perfectly pitched note at a time. Who knew the secret to sax success started with a bit of mouthpiece mindfulness?

[@drwallysax]

Mouthpiece alone ended my first two marriages. Beneficial, yes, but at what cost Bob? WHAT COST!!!???

[@bobpremecz5429]

​@@drwallysax I totally understand the mouthpiece alone would do it. I never took you for a quack. If only you had extended your neck (or stuck it on), you could have created a sweeter sound, saving not just ears but also preserving higher fidelity, including in your marriage(s). Remember, "It only takes a minute, girl, to fall in love, fall in love!"

[@dagadbm]

this is exactly what im doing! how do i get those lower notes though. i cant for the life of me.@@bobpremecz5429

[@opiaifeanyi4126]

Wow that's great 👍 Please how do I subscribe for private lectures ?

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

1&3 while sitting in church on 2&4🙄🎵🎶🎷

[@Craig2760]

Debra Richtmeyer, Saxophone prof at U of Illinois said the most important lesson to teach students is, how to practice.

[@drwallysax]

She is an absolute bad ass, phenomenal performer.

[@Dionpr1]

If it's a nice day - practice outdoors. Just blow and listen. Oh yes, and pre-hear.

[@billjazznblues]

Learn from top classical musicians 1. Use interleaved (used to be called random) practice and combine it with small chunks for a short time before moving to the next chunk 2. Practise for long term improvement not just practice session obvious improvement (that is why blocked or repeated practice is so ineffective- you think you are improving but the improvement disappears quickly). 3. Be a problem solver rather than a critic - did you do what you intended vs that was good or bad? Figure out what caused the problem and address that. 4. Learn how to use the metronome in conjunction with chunking and rhythmic variation to keep your brain involved and avoid mindless practice. A few tips just for starters ;-)

[@tkannen]

Had trouble following this one…I kept focusing on the Super 20.

[@ryangatling2973]

I actually have a "Jazz Enabled" metronome :). it is an older, broken metronome that clicks in a swinging pattern - Dat do Dat do Dat do Dat. Unfortunately, you spend more time winding it than playing with it

[@markmorton5280]

So…how many players are in a “sectret”? Sounds pretty cool.

[@drwallysax]

Clearly says "secret." I think you have adult onset dyslexia Makr Motron.

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

That Super 20 (or Zephyr Special?) is gorgeous!.. I know it's not the point of the video but still.

[@drwallysax]

Awww, thanks David. I had to find an instrument worthy of the new ligature and product line! It's a 1950, full pearl and I'm in love! I'll share more in the studio forum ;) Hope you're well!

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

@@drwallysax I knew that had to be your new ligature (looks great)! Did you trade in the VI?

[@drwallysax]

@@SomeGuyOnSax I did not. Still have it, but might trade it for something else - just too similar to my Yamaha. Maybe a nice Conn?

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

@@drwallysax Didn't you not like the 6M? Get a 28M - they are wild!

[@user-cv7bi6ch3s]

👀🎷💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@bishalkashyap7357]

Jazz enabled metronomes are really hard to find in stores:(

[@peteboynton4536]

I have a funk metronome that cost me plenty and finding it was a an odyssey. It only sounds on 1.

[@drwallysax]

Great find! I had a ska metronome back in the 90s - only played on the upbeats. Never should have sold it!

[@peteboynton4536]

Ufff, I have only heard about the ska metronome. I thought it was an urban legend. How could you have sold that?!@@drwallysax

[@marka8274]

What's the song played at the start of the video where the metronome is shown ?

[@drwallysax]

That's a tune I wrote: "Your Love is a Gamma Ray"

[@vadimzitsermusicianvlogcha3870]

What to do if I do not like sax players at all? I basicly like trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf, and I try to replicate his sound on my alto sax...

[@drwallysax]

Listen to bassoonists, obviously.

[@edwardwright7329]

Is practicing even necessary if you have full-pearls, silver neck King with vintage tonalin mouthpiece?

[@drwallysax]

I don't think it's even legal to practice on this setup, Thor!

[@RidingEasttoWest]

I saw pickles. Will there be pickles next week? If we buy a Dr. Wally designed mouthpiece do we get a free jar of pickles?

[@rielzuad7028]

First 🎉🎉🎉

[@drwallysax]

Your promptness has been noted in the annals of academy engagement. So let it be written, so let it be done.

[@rielzuad7028]

@@drwallysax may I be granted the magic reed that makes altissimo song good?

[@jamieforjazz]

The 1&3 lobby is pretty powerful in metronome construction. But there are goateed activists out there busy cutting the first beat out of etude books to compensate. Through them there is hope..

[@drwallysax]

Godspeed you goateed saints....godspeed.....

[@jonypani]

BUD SHANK 🤎

[@bmwgsa1]

#1 tip for anyone's daily list - PLAY EXERCISE ZERO!

[@drwallysax]

MY MAN

[@dougjsax]

Instructions unclear. Wife was talking to me and I put on headphones. Did not go well.

[@drwallysax]

Great art requires great sacrifice. Instructions were clear. Very clear.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysaxExactly!