Saxophonists: Stop Making These Performing Mistakes

[@robstevens9590]

Some good tips. I had a solo gig yesterday at new venue. I was playing some songs that I hadn't played for years, so reviewing these tunes the day before the gig was helpful. The gig went well and I was invited back, plus made a few new contacts for other gigs! Personal presentation! Learning what to say (when appropriate and you have the opportunity) and how to say it, before playing, between songs and after your performance is also an important part of connecting with the audience. Being able to adapt to the situation: A couple years ago I had a gig (playing solo before the DJ did his thing) at a New Year's Eve party. When the guests arrived I realized my playlist was totally inappropriate, so I told the DJ, "You play your music & I will improvise along with it." A challenging, but good (& fun) solution that the audience (& DJ) appreciated.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thinking on your feet there Rob. Love it!

[@zabellesax]

I must be very organised, as I do all these great tips before going to a gig, whether band, or church, or playing informally for things. I have a fantastic gig bag I fit my tenor in, its got pockets for my sax, sling, stand, a little pocket at the front for mp, reeds and stuff and it wheels a long. Great advice thank you.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Sounds like you have a great system Zabelle!

[@zabellesax]

​@@McGillMusicSaxSchoolthanks Nigel. :-)

[@ninjalightning2631]

I was doing a solo gig with Backing tracks Left my mouth piece at home by the sink I Just put you tube and put on some Paul Desmond playlist on my iPad and just pretend playing I was far enough from the audience nobody noticed I even got some applause 😄😄😄😄 Thank you Mr Desmond I know you were up there watching me and laughing your head off 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Wow! Now that’s a gig story

[@thepianokid27]

These are some really really good pointers here guys! Thank you so much! Some of these I have never even realized but they make so much sense!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks for watching.

[@brigitte546]

Interesting and informative, great tips. Always something I didn’t think of before. 🎵

[@Kazzandshazz]

I think we probably all have funny stories.. good pointers

[@mikesaxclar]

I almost never don't pull over on the way to a gig and double check that I have everything. Reeds, tie, jacket, sling, mouthpiece, all the charts etc.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I know that feeling!

[@ninjalightning2631]

Teach Ghost tonguing please🙏🙏🙏

[@gospelobinwa6296]

Hi McGill, please I got a new sax and I don't know nothing about how to play it. Please help me. I really wanna learn how to play it.

[@zabellesax]

Join his Sax school.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

We can help you! Check us out here SaxSchoolOnline.com

[@gospelobinwa6296]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thank you!

[@philatanvard]

So, I've arrived at a gid with sax, sling, mouthpiece, reeds, tablet, backing tracks, everything... except the key to unlock the sax case.

[@philatanvard]

Also arrived at a gig with the requisite black bow tie strangely absent. I was sure I'd put it in the case. Also bottom B and Bb muffled and out of tune that day... 🤔

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Oh dear!

[@Saxystuff-z8z]

If you get it right the first time, you haven't learned anything!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ha!

[@TransformsIntoAGuitar]

If you need to be told to prepare the material before the gig you shouldn't be gigging.

[@TransformsIntoAGuitar]

Geez, I hope Joel doesn't say "you know" this much when he's on stage.