Biggest Saxophone Mistakes that kill your progress!

[@lukasalihein]

This is a great video full of profound concepts. A big turning point in may career was when I started teaching saxophone lessons and realized I was infinitely more kind to them than I was to myself, and I had to adopt a "problem-solving/growth" mindset rather than a "judgement/results" one.

[@drwallysax]

Beautiful. I love this. We really do have to practice what we preach - how can we expect our students to show self compassion if we're not modeling it! Well put and thanks my friend!

[@ricerfv9611]

Profound

[@Laura-wg5jk]

No one every spoke these truths before that I have seen. Thank you Dr. Wally. I especially appreciated your honesty in the pride section. I've played for 30 years, but always felt "less than" because I didn't play in band in middle or high school (started as an adult). Feel bad about that but got very serious about my saxophone about 2 years ago and am trying to just "do me" and put in time every single day. OK, I can't write too much more because -- I have to go PRACTICE!! Enjoy your summer Dr. Wally (PS. your saxophone looks different???...)

[@drwallysax]

I love this new perspective you have, Laura! You've got to "do you." Joy and fulfillment are the goal, not meeting some artificial "level." I'm cheering for you, keep it up! As for the saxophone - it's my ol' Yamaha (had the lacquer removed). I've had it for 20 years, I think I'm falling in love with it again :)

[@Laura-wg5jk]

@@drwallysax I heard your podcast on changing horns and going back to your Yamaha. Love that you love Yamaha - I think they are great at all levels.

[@stangetz534]

Dude this is real advice. You're onto something. It's a new feel. Go with it!

[@bluegoose555]

Ive said it before .... and I'll say it again.. you are a Real Gem Dr Wally (thanx so much for your efforts)

[@drwallysax]

Bluegoose, I appreciate you my friend. You've been with me for years now. It means a lot to me. Hope you're having a wonderful week. :)

[@dksax]

I quit music for about 10 years (due to my ego mainly). I then bought my friends sax recently and more or less got my chops back and have improved more than I thought I ever would. All because, instead of beating myself up about my skill as a player like I used to, I, like you said, aimed to be curious and positive about it all. I focused on talking with others about how they practice, or what they practice or any tips. I also try to be honest with myself and appreciating how far I've come and where I'm going to go. It has made all the difference. And yeah, every serious jazz musician I ever talked to has more or less said that "you gotta transcribe and learn by ear". It's hard but its the truth.

[@drwallysax]

Very true. Glad you're playing again!

[@FognarFoehammer]

This video is full of advice I needed to hear. Thanks, Dr. Wally.

[@drwallysax]

Well that makes me happy! Have a great weekend my friend :)

[@zeemarkinnovator4643]

Dr Wally you are a very friendly teacher who really understands the challenges we all face in becoming a better sax player. Like most of the folks commenting here, I suffer from more than one of the sins you speak of. Your advice here will help me clarify my practice sessions and goals, and for this I thank you. Keep these vids coming !

[@aleciafordham]

I am about to start college majoring in music performance for saxophone and this video has really changed the way I have been with my playing. I am doing both classical and jazz because during my times in high school i did both jazz and classical (more classical), but I hope that in college I don't have to just pick one or the other because I love both. I think my biggest thing that has been my biggest downfall with my progress on saxophone is pride because I had always made honors bands and got top chairs until I had a very prestigious and competitive audition between the best saxophonist in my state and I was not selected. I did not do well with the failure and felt embarrassed because I had began to get so used to always getting in and climbing my way to the top. I think my pride has really held me back on my playing. I am glad I came across this video right before I begin my journey in college. I know I will thank you for this advice many years down the road.

[@drwallysax]

Pride kills many a music career, BUT, it's can be overcome (I'm proof). Trading competition for curiosity was crucial for me. When a young jazz whiz played circles around me (as a DMA student), I'd corner them in the practice room and say "show me, that was great!" Funny, humility and curiosity can make life long friends and colleagues. Good luck in your journey, where you studying saxophone this fall?

[@jhernan185]

Dr Wally , not only are you a very good teacher, you are very funny and real . Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Too kind, thank you my friend. I hope you're having a great, practice-filled week!

[@austincreech5915]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you for this refreshing perspective.

[@thomaslyden9471]

Jazz is like life: messy but beautiful. Great story. The journey from 'safe' to free expression...true in so many walks of life. Thanks Doc

[@pulledfocusmedia]

THANK YOU! Your ability to be vulnerable and honest about the lessons you've learned over the years is amazing. This is exactly what I needed to hear as someone learning how to play the sax. It's not always easy being nice to yourself when you feel like progress isn't being made.

[@drwallysax]

Good luck on the path my friend. I'm here with ya!

[@pulledfocusmedia]

@@drwallysax thank you man!

[@yolioms]

Thanks for your honesty, it makes me want to learn more of what you’ve got to teach. Cheers 🎷🎷🎷

[@mchidley1]

Thanks for the personal stuff, it helps to break up the envy and wrath driven illusion that the musically gifted never really struggled too much on their way up. I had an early teacher who told me as we waded into improvising that “you almost have to have a gene for this”. It stuck, along with the conclusion “well, I guess I just don’t have it.” I wish he’d been more honest and said, “this stuff is really hard to teach, it took me years to fully understand and I’m still learning.” I definitely needed this video. More fun, less “sinning”.

[@drwallysax]

What a horrible thing for a teacher to say! That makes me angry, what an ignorant, lazy teacher. Keep having fun, Mark. The journey is better than the destination!

[@alexwillats]

Thank you for your wisdom and openness Doctor. Yes…I’m a Saxophone Sinner! You’ve given me some much needed life coaching too. Gracias.

[@drwallysax]

happy Tuesday, Alex! Don't you have a Yanagisawa to be playing right about now? How you doing this week?

[@alexwillats]

@@drwallysax I practiced today! Easing back in after my time off - it feels good to be playing again.

[@markhunt5019]

Just an excellent video-especially the personal story toward the end. It’s so applicable to many life situations. Thanks

[@drwallysax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gib321]

Best sax lesson I've had in years.

[@drwallysax]

Well that's incredibly kind - thank my friend :) Happy practicing!

[@robinmarwick1982]

Excellent video, very informative and very amusing. Thanks Doc.

[@supercgn]

Thank you Dr. Wallace ….you helped me a lot!

[@ΧαρίλαοςΠαπαδόπουλος-ω4β]

Excellent video!In every aspect!Thank you Dr. Wallace!

[@drwallysax]

Thank you my friend!

[@tomtresco2952]

WRATH........ Wow you hit the nail on the Head there, annoyingly your so right. I will take that onboard from NOW, thank you Dr

[@davidbraner156]

I have always thought about my pride as my biggest enemy. There is a ton of truth to how much damage a prideful mindset can make when it comes to making progress. Is pride the same thing as ego? I feel these two go hand in hand. Well done Wally!

[@drwallysax]

I think you're right, they're nearly synonymous in my mind? It's always my biggest barrier to growth. Frustrating balancing act - don't be prideful, but don't be too hard on yourself? Humans need an owner's manual, dontcha think Dave? Happy Tuesday - how hot is it in Chicago? It's toasty here!

[@daleweiman196]

Great video. I especially liked Anger. You’re absolutely right. Beating yourself up for not playing as you think you should is destructive. That sort of thinking led me to a two-plus decade hiatus from playing. Having just returned to it nine months ago I am loving every minute.

[@drwallysax]

Yeeeeeessss! Enjoyment is the goal. So many people ruin a perfectly good hobby trying to pretend it's 1950 and it's their career! Glad you're having fun again, keep at it Dale!

[@burgessbrian9329]

Another absolutely wonderful presentation; informative, funny & insightful. Outstanding stuff & very much appreciated! Cheers

[@drwallysax]

You are too kind, thank you :) Have an excellent week and enjoy some practice!

[@AtulClassics]

Excellent tips Doc

[@barnsdalemartin5469]

thanks dr. Wally for that. I am guilty of at least two of those mortal sins, and am also at a point where am questioning well just about everything I do on the saxophone. So your podcast has helped me to see more clearly. That makes you a real friend!

[@drwallysax]

I'm so glad to hear this!

[@char271lie]

Great and honest thoughts Dr. Wally.

[@drwallysax]

Than you Charles, hope you're having a great week - and happy practicing!

[@joshuaj.o.b8090]

Wow such an elite ...u are good sir ...I celebrate ur profound wisdom ...

[@jameseason1759]

I think Nicholas Payton had a quote about getting lost is part of jazz -- it's a given. Getting "found" and having the band help you get found are also an integral part of it.

[@Kingofsaxmountain]

Thank you wally, needed this because I've done this so much. Leaving a like so I can go back and look back at it.

[@drwallysax]

So glad it's helpful, happy practicing why friend!

[@flopa9928]

Hey Wally! I definitely learned a lot from this. You talked about things, that weren’t really discussed before on KZbin. Usually they just talk about equipment or (not) playing sax by ear, but never about the psychological factor. Looking forward to the upcoming episodes! Gonna be practicing one of the Hitchcock Etudes tomorrow (currently 11:30pm in Berlin, would be having happy neighbors when practicing now😅). So, all best wishes and have a nice and very saxy day!

[@drwallysax]

Glad it's helpful, have a wonderful practice session tomorrow!

[@stormhorn1]

What a great video! Lots of wisdom and nuggets of hard truth velvet-wrapped in humor. I just hit the subscribe button. Thanks for this.

[@lyntedrockley7295]

Wow, well this turned a corner! After 6 humorous though perceptive 'sins' Dr Wally bares his soul on the 7th. That was amazing! SO TRUE! Jazz requires a jazz mindset. All the technique and gear will not be any good without the right mindset. And its exactly that mind set that is trained out of folk in the classical world. Thats why its so hard to adjust. Spot on Dr Wally. Spot on.

[@drwallysax]

It's tough, isn't it! I'm so glad I let my self fail, often and publicly. Life's too short not to :)

[@lyntedrockley7295]

@@drwallysax Ah your natural charm would see you through!

[@DeepspaceHorizon]

Yes yes, this did need to get said. Many thanks for your wisdom and that you shared it with us.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy practicing!

[@harleyduoglideman]

Thanks for the advice Doc. I admit that I’ve been lazy and, well, lusting over tech (such as a tenor sax). I just got back into the swing of things again, and I would add this: Write your goals down in a journal. They can be your goals for the day, the week, and month. The key is simplicity. Don’t go too far in what you want to master or else you’ll burn out and be discouraged. I know I have before. Right now, my goals revolve around scales, finger exercises from a local teacher, and breathing exercises. The last thing is while online courses are a good foundation, you NEED to interact with people like a local teacher or a band. There’s nothing more supportive than getting advice face to face. In fact, my lesson had pointers that I didn’t know because I was going solo for a while. Thanks again, looking forward to new vids!

[@drwallysax]

Solid advice for sure - happy practicing my friend :)

[@שמוליקזולטק]

Thank you so much Dr Wally for this video! You addressed so intelligently and honestly the main issues I struggle with as a sax player! It was really profound and eyes opening! I’m so great full

[@drwallysax]

I greatly appreciate you watching - hope you have a most wonderful week, and happy practicing!

[@HuubClaessens]

I am a classical Saxophonist for almost 45 years now. Played in many beautiful concert halls around Europe. Old French school. I increasingly like the classical saxophone, but nevertheless I also love jazz. Played in Big Bands for quite some years in the past but never learned how to improvise. So I recognize many of your arguments! Specially the last one, though I do have a reputation to uphold, it is not only my ego. It is also the way the business works. At least here it is. I am also a professional singer for 40 years now, have sung all over the world. Here in Vienna I have a sort of cart Blanche in “Jazzland”, the nicest jazz club in Vienna. Of course I fill in some gaps with my horn, but it is really verrrrry basic. I would love to have some advice where to start and in which order to practice what. Actually a former student of mine has send me this video link. I have no problem at all practicing, I still love the preparation. But yes, I can’t focus if it comes to learning jazz improv. I just don’t know where to start what! Very irritating if you played on a I level for such a long time. Maybe you have a spare moment to react to this. Thanks so much. Cheers Huub Claessens KZbin channel.

[@jmalatesta]

Just discovered you and love the videos. I feel inspired and also daunted by listening to those that made me pick up the instrument, like John Coltrane. Between him and Brecker, I want 'that'. But 'that' is also the outermost limits of virtuosity in the saxophone galaxy (Webb has space on my mind). I'm trying more and more to satisfy myself with just picking the horn up everyday and being where I'm at and playing what I can play, and being present with the process. I've also picked up and let the instrument several times in the past 6-7 years since I first started and although I've done some small performances before, I really just want to get to a place where I can play in public and also be happy (but not be static) with what I'm producing with the horn...and maybe from that 'platform' be able to work myself to higher realms. I don't know, that's not really a straightforward 'sin' but if you have thoughts on my ramble I welcome them.

[@drwallysax]

You've got the right idea. Continue to improve YOU. The world already had a Coltrane and Brecker - now work on you. Most people overestimate what they can do in a year of practice, but WAAAAY underestimate how much they can grow in three years. Keep at it and celebrate your wins!

[@sat.chid.ananda]

i hear this oftren from other starting saxophonists and i always tell them "listen to other players"...we already know Trane's a legend of sound and speed, but having only that as a frame of reference i think isn't right, instead, start researching other players from different times, styles, and also different saxophones! Alto, Soprano, tenor, etc (I'd suggest listening to Sonny rollins, Lester young, Coleman Hawkins, Hank mobley...and my all time favorite from current times Kamasi Washington) That'll give you a broader perspective on the instrument and maybe inspire you in different ways My thoughts when listening to Coltrane are just to try and connect with the feeling he's portraying, i don't even try to understand what he's doing on a technical level unless i'm studying him yknow

[@johnkremastos5713]

What a great session,excellent advise , Thank you

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, John. Happy Wednesday my friend :)

[@EricTorreborre]

Thanks for sharing your story. And now... Back to practice 😊

[@drwallysax]

Happy practicing!

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks Wally! I want to learn to play jazz (bebop & modal), but I spend very little time working on the things which would help me make progress. Most of my practice time I am brushing up on and adding to my (mostly pop, blues and smooth "jazz") repertoire, and very little time (also due to neighbor constraints) on focused, step by step learning to play jazz. Actually a lot of my "practice" time I am actually playing in public. I appreciate your input.

[@drwallysax]

To paraphrase the great designer Dieter Rams: Less but better! Keep at it Rob, pick small weekly goals. I'm learning one lovely Chris Potter phrase this week - simple 2 bars of a major lick. By doing just this - I'm working on vocabulary, tone, time, feel and phrasing all while improving. Less but better my friend!

[@richardlamoureux2197]

Nice job on the video Wally. I identify with pride. It has been a milestone around my neck for many years. I do try and improvise when I can but have been too ashamed my skills to put together a combo. I should do that and fail for a while.

[@drwallysax]

You'll be glad you did! We're evolved apes on a rock spinning through space, blowing air into a metal tube. It's too silly to take it so seriously. Have fun, and enjoy this vacation on earth :)

[@dmar0527]

I really love your sound. I'm currently studying classical saxophone at URI & Dan Glock and jazz with you. The blending of the classical sound with jazz improvisation seems awesome to me. I think your jazz sound is so much richer with the classical base that you have. Also, I can stop buying mouthpieces and different reeds anytime I want to! I just don't care to at the moment. The best book I have read that has helped me become a better musician is Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner. I'm super slow with your class, but I'm learning to really listen. I should actually record something and send that to you. Thank you for the video and everything you do!

[@drwallysax]

Hey Diane! Jump back in fresh in August - we're doing Straight No Chaser with a NEW format and strategy - you're going to love it! Also, you darn well better say hi in the lounge :)

[@douglange6863]

Dr. Wally, that was painful and all too true! I’m a gluttonous sloth with a good measure of self-loathing to keep the fires of Dante’s Inferno burning. However, you have inspired me to consider the journey of “Pilgrim’s Progress” of the saxophone. I have the map and have seen the trail. Now is the time to journey onward. Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Happy travels to you my friend! Keep on the path, and remember the words of Servantes: "The journey is better than the inn."

[@tristansmith9149]

I love this video. Even as I shifted in my chair, as I watched it, knowing I am guilty! However, I have coincidentally just moved to correct in exactly the way you suggest re - antidote to "gluttony". I have just committed to Nigel McGill's Sax School and am doing the 30 day challenge - 18 days in so far. I love your work, have just subscribed - thanks again. Now I must go practice. 🙂

[@brucechamberlain5042]

Thanks you nailed my problem on the head -I’ve been taking bits and pieces from all over with no consistency. Time to settle down to a single system. BRW still loving the mouthpiece

[@drwallysax]

Hey, glad you're still loving the 56, me too! Consistency is the secret sauce - but there's so much tempting, distracting stuff, eh?!

[@Gnomes_]

Oml, the title for pride played and I was like 'pshhh, this won't apply to me!' but I'm currently at that exact point of crying in the shower about jazz. I had a really bad time in high school playing in the jazz bands, but have always loved listening to it. Now I'm two years into my bachelor of music (classical) with no idea how to get back into jazz! Would love it if you made a video on the topic, I'm so dependent on sheet music and have no idea where to start (I keep picking stuff that's wayyyy too difficult and getting discouraged). Thanks for the video!

[@drwallysax]

Doooon't give up on it! I lost 20 years of improvising due to pride. Have you seen my video on Jazz Transcription? That's step one! Where are you studying? I know most of the classical profs through my podcast!

[@Gnomes_]

@@drwallysax yes! I watched right it after this one. I definitely need to give it another crack, i think I've been taking it too fast.

[@jellyjojo8971]

Definitely needed this, sloth is definitely a big one for me but even bigger than that is self-deprecating. Even my fellow band mates, band director and my sax teacher say I'm way to hard on myself. I've been almost been play a year of sax. First time was when I joined our colleges jazz band bc they had no tenor sax players. So I've been learning and trying to catch up to them. I'm a sousaphone player so it was hard to learn a woodwind and learn treble clef. But I'm starting to learn to be happy about my progress I made. I've embarrassed myself at our last jazz concert with my solo 😅 but I only had a solo bc one of our trombone players was sick and I had to take his solo spot. It was a last minute thing so I didn't get to practice a solo at all

[@drwallysax]

Keep at it Jelly, great things will follow :)

[@Kinglymarker8988]

The Hammer films style of intro to each vice brings me back to Saturdays watching Cushing/Lee vampire movies. Nice touch for us over fifty crowd.

[@drwallysax]

I'm at the cusp, but know the vibe :)

[@heavyshift1]

I’m a sinner on all counts Dr Wallace but thank you for you sermons and even at me my late stage in life I feel saved! 😌

[@drwallysax]

Amen, brother. Amen :)

[@frankzona5459]

Gluttony, yes. Too many books, and distracted by too many online instructors and pdfs. In a world where there was practically nowhere to go for saxophone education, now there seems to be too many choices. It can be a struggle to not want to chase down every video, every course and every pdf. Lots of sampling until I found an online course which works for me. I'm now focusing on one line course and far few downloads, etc from other sources, although I do fall off the wagon occasionally. You are so right, find one which appeals to you and stick with it. Thanks for this video Dr. Wally, you are so on the money here.

[@drwallysax]

I mean, all the virtual studio are wrong but mine, of course. But glad you're on the path! Happy practicing my friend :)

[@JFH899]

New to the channel. Excellent content and humor.

[@sam-jams6689]

Thanks for being so honest, that was a really interesting story about the Jazz

[@drwallysax]

I really appreciate that, thanks Sam! Life is so much more fun when you're not protecting your ego - happy practicing my friend.

[@bobblues1158]

This really great Doctor. I`M 77 and have had a long and successful career in first learning to be a great commercial player and then using the money from that to pay for my jazz career. About gear. My rule is practice the stuff I should practice while trying the new gear. I do not "noodle". By really practicing, one will find out if the new item should be sent back or not. Love your humor!!! I come from the last era before live music was replaced with television etc. 6 nights a week, five sets a night and a Saturday matinee. I could go on, but there is nothing worse than an old cat talking about the good old days.

[@drwallysax]

That's a brilliant strategy bob, and one I should adopt! I have to test more mouthpieces than most (given my product line), and need to be more effective doing so! Thanks my friend!

[@MrGmantza]

Very inspiring video Dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks very much, hope you're having a great week Georgios!

[@MrGmantza]

@@drwallysax Thanks a lot! I used to beat myself up in the beginning of my saxophone learning voyage, but after a while I let a more experienced person beat me up: my wife. No, just kidding! Truth is that it is supposed to be fun, so anger or wrath should not be part of saxophone (or any musical instrument) playing! Again great video, as always!

[@자연맨-i7c]

Thanks to you, I'm encouraging me Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

I'm so glad!

[@jossbrown9108]

Thank you Dr. Wallace It´s really helpful to my path, I just keep forward my journey, getting focused on my method, don´t try to find the joy of finding songs on a far level i can´t defend, and just enjoying the journey. Best wishes from Spain and good summer. (Sorry for my poor english)

[@drwallysax]

Your english is wonderful, I'm glad it helped!

[@HayKay_]

Gluttony - I have so many pdf downloads and haven't opened them. As you have advised, I will pick one and stick to it for some months. Thanks, Professor.

[@drwallysax]

gooooood! Good. Happy practicing my friend!

[@brianmyers8350]

Great video! Overpractice can be a problem for me. I have a habit of playing myself into injury and not knowing when to stop. As I age I have to be more careful not to play more today than I can wake up and play tomorrow or I'm in pain big time! Best saxophone wishes!

[@drwallysax]

Ohhh, that's a sin for sure! Worse yet, when we over practice and get tired, we develop bad habits to compensate! Happy saxophone wishes to you as well, Brian!

[@jackdolphy8965]

“Don’t get mad. Get curious!” Bullseye 🙏🏽

[@chisaomusician7752]

Thanks for the wisdom.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy practicing my friend :)

[@jameswilson2967]

Great video as always, especially the bit about been oneself biggest critic, and putting oneself down. my sins are, not working with my ears enough, not working on my rhythm enough. i start to try, find it too hard and give up. just about to start my practice session, and you know what Dr Wally, i am going to try to lean a 8 Bar phrase by ear. i will invest 10 minutes on it today. then see if i can retain and repeat it tomorrow. i would love to play jazz. so i shall see where this leads. Thanks again for such a Great video.

[@drwallysax]

EXCELLENT, report back and let me know how it went!

[@rafaeltapia8275]

Awesome video Doc! Great points and advice, will definitely send this video to my students!

[@drwallysax]

Many thanks Rafael, I hope they find it helpful! Hope you and your students are having a great week!

[@aljerones99]

Well said, Dr. Wally! Might I also add my 2 cents? I call them:, "the Muse-attitudes". And seeing them sitting on too large a collection of unused downloads and seldom used gadgets and gizmos, he turned to them and said ... 1. Blessed are they that learn not only scales and their chords in all 12 keys but also songs that use them. For therein is the knowledge of how to use them. 2. Blessed are they who find sax heros and legends from whom to draw inspiration. For therein lies the path to finding one's own sound. 3. Blessed are they that transcribe and transpose songs or parts thereof and practice them habitually. For theirs is the gift ear development, vocabulary and phrasing. 4. Blessed are those who play through their mistakes rather than coming to a complete halt each and every time. For they shall be filled with the gift of improvisational mastery and creativity! 5. Blessed are those who trust in developing skill and not in buying new gear. For they shall be called "the children of song". 6. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after steadfast practice sake, gradually migrating from slow to fast, with patience and diligence; for theirs is treasure great technique. 7. Blessed are those who relax while playing. For theirs is the finding of harmony within. 8. Blessed are they who learn progressions. For they shall "progress on". 9. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when your teachers and mates extol and priase you for your incremental exploits! For day by day, so shall your boundaries increase and your playing shall soar to new heights and delight those who hear you!

[@drwallysax]

Love these, thanks for sharing Alex!

[@aljerones99]

Love love, LOVE your videos Dr. Wally!

[@bobblues1158]

Great!!!!

[@oboeash]

“Frustration means you’re about to have a breakthrough” is my favorite out of so many perfectly worded observations in this video, followed closely by “the job market will do that for you.”

[@drwallysax]

Ha! The market doesn't lie :) We need to chat my friend - very interested in your thoughts on Wooten and his teaching!

[@oboeash]

I’m just up the road from you right now, depending on one’s definition of just up the road! I’ll look forward to topics on tying shoes, out of bounds plays, and the 8 laws of learning.

[@luckyboy5384]

I like your sense of humor. Your quote should be representing school : dont beat yourself up , the Jobmarket will do that

[@saxyrep1]

Thanks for sharing! The whole video resonated but the pride part really hit home for me. The failing in front of an audience with a great rythm section among your peers is sthg I know too well. Always thought I was alone...

[@squidwerd1981]

I definitely have lust. I’ve been playing for about 3 months and already bought a Yamaha YTS-480 tenor sax, a Jean Paul curved soprano, and a BetterSax “Tradition” Alto

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

Sound advice from the very cool Dr. Wally Wallace👍

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend, hope you're having a great week!

[@olebirgerpedersen]

Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, happy practicing my friend :)

[@peterolsson3662]

Very true, very wise. Thanks 🎷

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, Peter! Happy practicing my friend!

[@johnsaliba7191]

So True, Your the Man , My fear is slash rhythm and timing. Never play in bands before, but I play outside on deck in the woods, birds like what they hear best audience. Thanks

[@drwallysax]

I DO hope you're playing Ornithology!

[@AnastasiiaN]

Every video is just excellent!

[@drwallysax]

Not every one, but thanks, that's most kind!

[@Simon-me9fh]

Love you man. Absolute legend

[@enriquefr70]

Very good video!! The worsts sins, for me, are the Lust and the sloth... Go practice!

[@drwallysax]

Indeed my friend - happy practicing :)

[@Chris-zc8jg]

All of this translates to almost anything in life. I was not aware to be guilty of so many of these errors. Need to watch this every other week 😅

[@drwallysax]

Me too my friend :)

[@franzmobius7721]

A really nice video thanks for that. You mentioned a lot of sins I see in my own saxophone life what I hope to overcome at some point. I hope you make some more videos so I can learn more from your experience. 😄

[@drwallysax]

I hope it does help, and many more videos to come my friend :) - happy practicing!

[@lion037]

Thanks for the reminder to be kind to myself. Sometimes I forget.

[@drwallysax]

Most of us forget from time to time, Spencer. Hope you have a wonderful week and happy practicing!

[@brianmatthews232]

Fab post, a must watch for all players at whatever level 😀

[@drwallysax]

I really appreciate that, thanks Brian :)

[@edwardonsax9919]

This is great, these are the actual 7 deadly sins. Nice correlation.

[@drwallysax]

I steal all of my content from Bishops :)

[@blacksax7035]

I love your teaching Wishing to be your student

[@BigBandGeek]

The one thing I know that separates me from other saxophonists I know, that I started learning professionally late before I went to college and majored in it and I didn't have a private teacher at the time. It took a lot to be confident in how I play now (still working on it). I'm somewhat proficient in jazz and classical but just have that home-spun difference because I'm self-taught

[@r.g.saxone]

What a lesson…! Thx

[@ElPalomodelaSierra]

Thanks very much, I needed that.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome!

[@esalehtismaki]

Also, switching between different mouthpieces hinders progress. Find one you like and stick with it for a long time, then you learn to co-operate with it to get the sound you intend to.

[@drwallysax]

For beginners, I very much agree. Happy practicing, Esa!

[@maximinotovar5798]

Love your videos! Thanks for posting

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for watching! Hope you have a fantastic Tuesday, now go practice!

[@jaysax889]

Wow.. I am self taught and this video speaks volumes... G. Washington was my first inspiration, my question sir is how to schedule practice if you goal is to play soprano, alto and tenor.. from Nairobi and thank you so much for your videos.

[@drwallysax]

Hi Jay, I'll see if I can answer that question on a podcast episode!

[@jazzygiraffe8589]

Weirdly, I rarely ever beat myself up for how I play (which sometimes makes me wonder if I'm doing something wrong) - but at the same time I never evade a challenge because I know I'm not up to it. I'm not a competitive kind of person at all so maybe that's why? Anyways, great video as always. I love the dry humor and will definitely spread the word about the sins, Mr. Parson

[@drwallysax]

That's a healthy attitude, a recipe for growth!

[@jayhassler408]

Love this!

[@brianwheatcroft2681]

Fear of failure- sloth - has stopped me from progressing all along. I am 80 yrs. old next month, but so what? Dr. Wally, you have given me inspiration. So, here goes!

[@drwallysax]

God willing, you'll live another 20 years. You can be a world class player by then. If not, you'll certainly have more fun trying than not!

[@caligula9190]

Llegue buscando consejos y salí llorando.

[@ZiglioUK]

Interesting backstory, can't remember hearing it in other videos, well done!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Emanuele, hope you're having a wonderful (practice filled) week my friend!

[@ZiglioUK]

@@drwallysax ha ha, it goes in steps. Motivation needs a nudge from time to time (new moutpieces do help a bit ;-)

[@wladimirschkrabak4199]

The great Video as Always )

[@drwallysax]

Greatly appreciate, thank you my friend. Happy practicing!

[@Tigerblade11238]

I am 100% getting myself a new alto as a "reward" for sticking with playing. I made myself a deal on tenor though, "no new tenor until I can play the 'Jungleland' solo".

[@drwallysax]

The problem with tenors, they're easily knocked down during troll raids. You'll need keep lots of fire arrows on hand and dig a trench around your base.

[@Tigerblade11238]

@@drwallysax 😂

[@samuelbrown434]

Omg I’ve been that guy lost in chord changes! One time playing “what is this thing called love I missed the fact that there was a repeat so I started playing the form of the tune as if it were ABA and it took me entirely too long to figure it out. I turned so red!

[@drwallysax]

All part of the learning my friend. Crash and burning is a great way to learn. And after that, you realizes the worst that happens doesn't kill you! performing becomes less scary, more fun!

[@samuelbrown434]

@@drwallysax o yes! i've crashed a few times, and every time afterwards i worked harder and flew higher!

[@WilliamCarterII]

I am having a good summer. I got to go to Mexico and play my first Jazz show in Latin America. Thanks for asking haha

[@beckyn9338]

Haha! Just finished my practice block today. Pride is a tough one for sure. But I am finally ok with sucking at something, and I am starting to learn improv. And yes, I am at the sucking stage for sure. Oh well. If you want to be good, you gotta do the work. I’m working.

[@drwallysax]

GOOD FOR YOU, Becky! With that attitude you're going to meet your goals. Keep at it and keep me updated!

[@Hump007]

9:19 that still happens to me sometimes😅

[@drwallysax]

It happens to all of us my friend! Keep. at. it.

[@ScaerieTale]

Oh man. I just got a new mouthpiece in (some no-brand Chinese metal thing I found for $33 on Amazon) and just getting used to the quirks, what reeds work with it, comparing it to my Vandoren V16 jazz piece, etc. is destroying my free time. I can't imagine having a whole box of prototypes. You're doing the Lord's work, Dr. Wallace 🎷

[@drwallysax]

In the words of the giant crustacean from Moana: "pick one pick one"

[@ScaerieTale]

@@drwallysax Yeeeah ultimately I went back to my V16 A5 with a slightly lighter reed. The more I played goldie, the more I saw (and heard, mostly heard) its warts, like the tip opening making it way too easy to overblow and play altissimo - and nothing else haha Coming back to my Vandoren MP always feels like coming home. 2-3 hours of practice just kind of disappears with it 💙💙🎷

[@marklee1965]

Great piece Dr. I guess my sin is procrastination, brought about by not wanting to disturb the neighbours. I worry about them hearing me, so I use that as an excuse not to practice, even if I use a mute. Thing is, I have a desire to play and play well, but it's this fear of being heard until i become proficient. Feel free to laugh and pour scorn in you inimitable style. Best wishes.

[@drwallysax]

No scorn, just encouragement: Learning is fun, and the ENTIRE reason to learn the saxophone is to have fun. Make small, manageable goals and do a little work each week. Remember, if it's not fun, you're not doing it right. Enjoy the process and don't worry if you can only practice a bit each week - IT ADDS UP!