Watch This if You're Over 40 and Play Saxophone

[@rayopeongo]

After 40+ years of inactivity I dusted off my baritone and joined an amateur jazz band at the age of 62. I’m having a great time.

[@JosephSalinas-r4r]

40 years of inactivity 😮😮damn!😢

[@rayopeongo]

@@JosephSalinas-r4r I wasn't nearly good enough to go pro, so after school the sax got parked in the basement while I got married, raised my kids, and was gainfully employed for 40 years. Once I retired, I joined the band.

[@arrbeesax]

At least you picked the right horn to dust off! 😂😂

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Now, we're talking. Well done!

[@jeffcampbell6917]

I quit band at age 15 in 1970 after being first chair regional band that year. I just retired last week at 70 and will be playing again now that I have time. I had my alto sax and clarinet overhauled a couple of years ago because I knew this was something I wanted to do. We'll see what happens after a 54 year break!

[@carolsanderson7808]

And here I am at 77, playing in a jazz band with my daughter and granddaughter. Our oldest member is 80 and youngest is 22…..love it !

[@tabashir7452]

I can ID with 77

[@tabashir7452]

Great mind exercise and cognitive developer

[@janberings7743]

Iam champion. * 1938. Still blowing. Ballads and mid tempo. Not up-up tempo anymore 🎶

[@George-jo7mi]

Go 77!!! I'm 77 too! Still at it!

[@George-jo7mi]

​@@janberings7743Ballads give us great tone and expression. Dexter Ballads Trane Ballads.....m

[@markjensen5720]

I grew up in a musical household, living and breathing music all through school. Then, a 40 year sabbatical called life happened! Started playing bari last year at 58. I have discovered a joy that is spilling into the rest of my life. Jay, I can relate to this video so much, and can still take away some gold. I’m grateful for what you do. Keep it up!

[@baddognobiscuit2]

I started at 78. I had only played piano and always wanted to blow something...anything! I'm 81. I'm not brilliant but - oh my - I am rudiculously happy playing

[@patriciadrank6543]

I did not play my saxophone for thirty years. It had become a job for me (in high school), and I said I'd never pick it up again. Not only did I pick it up, but I taught myself how to play again and began teaching as well as playing in a couple of bands. 10 years later, at 58 years old, I went back to college and got my degree in music performance(I was terrified). Not only did I study the saxophone, which is my major instrument, but I also got to learn clarinet and flute. No one is ever too old to learn. I have been teaching now for 18yrs. If I can do it, anybody can.

[@Craig2760]

I’m 64, been playing for over 50 years. I teach, my oldest student is in his 70’s. Just picked up the saxophone 3 year ago.

[@francogiardino1]

This is not just a lesson on how to approach music learning, it's a whole life lesson. I found myself nodding to everything you said. I'm not yet in my forties but I'm getting there. Thank you for your great advice. Love your content!

[@angelabarker7491]

I'm 81, started clarinet when I was 60, and graduated to sop and alto saxes at 70+. I play in a jazz band and an orchestra and having SO MUCH fun! I pity my friends in this retirement home, who just watch TV all the time. Lucky me!❤

[@EricPalmerBlog]

62. In good health. Came back to alto and tenor after a 43 year pause. After one year, great progress. My 7 years of experience decades ago was a big factor. Now as you say, years of life experience helps big time. Music theory self learning is doing great. KZbin experts have had a huge impact. Keep up the great work!!!!

[@marklefley536]

Thanks for that! I'm 64 and sometimes think that I'm wasting my time. Ten minutes of your advice has cheered me up immensely and got me back in the practice room. 🎷😀

[@garystroud1629]

I’m 58 and play saxophone, lift weights and cycle daily. I am not concerned about improving (although it may happen) but just maintaining those great habits and enjoying what I do is enough. I love this video and have saved it for regular listening. I will play it to my son later as he has many more years ahead to make use of the wise advice. I love the observation that you can only get a little bit better each day. ❤

[@overseas977]

I'm sixty seven. I wish there was youtube channel back in the 70's. I'm learning a lot of stuff that I didn't learn in high school or college. Thank you Jay Metcalf for all the good INFO and you other KZbinrs.

[@directcurrent5751]

Possibly the most provocative and meaningful post Jay will make his whole career.

[@renansotti]

Since I stated to play saxophone almost 3 years ago I saw a lot of your videos and it is always amazing, I’m not 40 yet, but pass from the 30’s and have 2 young kids, so it isn’t easy to study, but those kind of videos really made us felling better with our own evolution. Thank you!

[@breckerfan]

Jay, what a video full of wisdom. I’m 50 years old and playing saxophone consistently since I was 10 years old. I love saxophone and used to be a professional full time musician. Everything you said in your video just applies to my life. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and wisdom with the Global Saxophone Community!! 👏👏🎉🎉🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷You motivated me to keep going! 😄😄

[@101lakeside4]

Jay the gentleman . A very honest humble and inspiring video. Many thanks Jay for your constant encouragement and kind words.

[@RonHendon]

I got a bachelors degree in Music performance on Sax and after college I opened a business and worked 14-16 hour days for the next 32 years . Not touching my sax . At 57 I decided if I didn’t pick my sax up I never would. So I started practicing again, joined a community concert band, eventually went to open mic nights around town started gravitating toward playing music I wanted like Ska, House and rock and now 2&1/2 years later play professionally part time getting lots of gigs and finally playing exactly what I enjoy. It’s so worth picking it back up if you left and starting if you ever wanted to play 🎷

[@stratman103]

I'm 57. My grandmother started teaching me piano and how to read sheet music when I was 8. I picked up the guitar when I was 15 and heavily focused on that for most of my life, including professionally gigging. I just bought my first sax because I always wanted to play. You're never too old.

[@hugovandermeer1566]

I was previously a gigging drummer and drum teacher for 25 years. I took up the saxophone 2 years ago having no music reading knowledge apart from drum notation which is entirely different. I'm progressing with two sax teachers both with different approaches, I'm improving well and enjoying everything to do with the sax. I use a 1925 Adolphe sax Tenor and a Yanagasawi TWO10 both great instruments,which I love. I'm currently 73...don't let age hold you back, embrace life and do what you love. Thank you Jay!🎶🎶🎷

[@Kirktracy]

I’m already in Jay’s Studio, enjoying all the lessons and developments. However being way over 40 it’s still encouraging to hear what you have to say here Jay. Thanks man.

[@George-jo7mi]

Jay and all the rest of you out there. I'm 77 and plan to make this my best year on the horn. Hoping to pick up a nice tenor, maybe Better sax tenor or bari! Keep it movin to keep it groovin!

[@robertpayne5233]

Yes! Removing the ego, that's so key to improving. Right on the money.

[@MrOlliesaxmo]

I’ve been playing the sax for 44 years now, with some professional success, and still strive to improve my knowledge and ability. I’ve been watching your channel for a couple of years now ,Jay and I have to say that your approach and enthusiasm, not to mention your ability on the instrument,is really encouraging..You are so honest in your teaching and being self taught, having had a brute of a clarinet “teacher”,aged 12, that is really refreshing..You are truly an inspiration…and a great player.Thank you..Ollie.

[@johndaniel9352]

I’m 40 and started at 20. All these years I just fooled around with it on and off . I find in my last year I bought gear I’ve always wanted so I’m playing with high intent and focus more than ever . I’m DEFINITELY better than I’ve ever been ! I do only what I want 1. Long Tones 2. Learn fun melody’s 3 improvisation on soloing 4. More long tones

[@graydemunter5850]

Can’t agree more !! I started from zero at 40 and now I am an addicted sax player and 46 years old. 😂 also thanks to Jay and his advices ! Helped me a lot ! Grtz from Belgium

[@madigan_sax]

Thanks Jay. I'm 41 And still growing. I'm starting the double diminished course tonight, thanks for this message

[@JRidgely]

I played when I was younger and just got a saxophone this week to start playing again at 41.

[@bdheinen]

Really glad I found this video! I’m 47. I’ve been fortunate to play for fun in groups/bands since my Marching Jayhawks days. I’m decent enough, but I’ve always been “second chair.” Never the strongest saxophonist in the group. Hearing you say that you’ve improved the most in your 40s is what I needed to hear. I kind of thought music lessons were for kids and I might be too old. This video motivates me to improve.

[@neilripsch6624]

I truly believe years of practice will be so much beneficial if you adopt a practice routine. Tone work, scales, chords, songs, etc. I also believe the experience gained by playing with a band is incredible. I read a book on Jimi Hendrix - and every guitar player he worked with gave him more tools and techniques. Find someone to play with and be a sponge for their knowledge. And, don’t be afraid or hesitant. I’ve called trumpet players, bass players, etc for advice - and help - and they love to share. Stay open to suggestions. Practice intelligently. Be patient. 71 yr old here still learning and enjoying.

[@zabellesax]

I am 47 and learned 4 years ago, and love it. How right you are Jay. Its a journey, not a race. I have played on stage at open mics, for community events and for a local woodwind band. Sax has made me so many friends and its awsome having something fun to talk about.

[@SilverBloodedOne]

I'm only in my 30's but, I used to play Alto/Soprano in High School. Gave it up and sold them to pay for textbooks in college. I miss playing SO much. but, I plan on returning in the future though I don't know where to start. Great vid!

[@francoiscottaz9213]

That is “Life’s lesson” all you said should be applied in general life. I must come back to the Studio to grow again. I’ll be their in September! See you there

[@rafaelsandonato]

I’m loving to read all those comments in this section this is so inspiring to me. 41yo, I’ve been playing for only 2 years and everyday for only about a month. 10min long notes, major scales which now I’m finally able to play by memory, lecture and then I play the standards. That’s my routine. Misty, body and soul, I remember Clifford et cetera. Only cool jazz. I’m just a beginner student but guys, I’m so happy!

[@marcellehawn474]

I’m 53, and started playing sax 3 years ago. I started out young reading music and picking up the sax was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I play in a band now, and it’s been an amazing and a great learning experience.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

I played off on on since 1980 as I grew up with guys like Marc Russo and others. When I hit 40, I really started working at it. Now at 60 people who knew me have said I am a completely different player. At 61 now, I love it now more than ever and this channel has helped a lot. I am still going after that Tom Scott sound. Maybe someday. Jay, keep up the good work.

[@guidojochems]

Very supporting & motivating this, being 47 while patience and being kind to myself are not my strong points. Thanks for sharing this 🙏

[@CascadeCreate]

I’m 39 and just bought my first horn. I played through high school and haven’t touched one since. Appreciate the boost this channel is bringing!

[@velvetimpulse]

Thank you so much for this video Jay. I'm close to my 40s (next year!) and started the saxophone about 5 years ago. I'm often in this trap of self-loathing because I'm not as good as 15 year olds that go to conservatory. Sometimes it prevents me from enjoying the music I'm listening to, or the music I'm making myself. It's important to talk to others in a similar situation because it makes the experience less lonely and as you said, allows space for me to be kinder to myself.

[@DrWil13]

This is a gem of a podcast Jay. Absolute necessity for everyone actually, irrespective of age. Almost in my mid 40s, I've made the most progress in the last 2 years. Thanks for sharing this.

[@TherealShabbadang]

This is real wisdom, for us just to absorb. For me this tics a lot of boxes that I kind of knew but wasn't completely sure of, like playing EVERY day even if it is just five or ten minutes. I know it is true because I have experienced it, like when a concert is scheduled in two weeks and I haven't touched my horn for six months or so, because of work, and then being forced to play everyday just to get a decent embochure, starting from zero. First day I couldn't play more than like ten minutes and then gradually increasing it day by day. After a week I could play for half an hour without problem and after ten days an hour. So I pulled the gigs off and has tried to maintain the habit, but have fallen back to old habits of not practicing every day but now I will take Jay's advice seriously. I am 63.

[@omnisonicschris]

It is honestly extremely inspiring to me, seeing people a lot older than me picking up and learning something new!

[@rodneyjackson8151]

I’m in my late 60’s and I haven’t played in over 49 years. Just got my horn a year ago, although I’ve improved a lot there’s still much more work to be done.

[@1stTimeVenture]

i was a trumpet player in high school, and just for fun after till my 20s, i stopped. picked up a tenor sax, but never has much time for it, so it landed in a closest. i will be 40 in a few weeks. and i took it out today, and to my surprise i could play notes. but i could not remember the fingers for notes, so i started to hear and play by ear. played a few kids songs. and thought i will never get decent. but then this video comes up. maybe its Gods way of saying, you love it, get back into it.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Great video! I got serious in my late 30's. I worked my butt off and now when I practice I usually ask myself "is your brain hurting?" because if it's not then I'm probably not working on something productive. I do that and watch Better Sax videos. Win Win!

[@peterankin985]

I am 74 years old started learning alto sax when i was 44 years old at ronnie scots jazz club in birmingham uk attended jamie abersolds summer camps in richmond london and lousville university kentucky they called me a late bloomer i learnt a lot and still iam learning i use jays courses to advance more as i have never been great at improv it keeps my mind active if you think you are to old to start learning think again my old teacher Andy Hamilton with his jazz band the blue tones played untill he was 94 and had a great sound and loads of enthusiam...peter.....Spain

[@sidneiramalho]

Great video Jay, I recently changed the approach to my saxophone adventure and practice routine. I met a more experienced sax player who asked me what I was working on it. I told him, long tones, sound, scales, patterns, etc. He then asked me, those are great but what you are doing for fun? That question made me realize that not always I'm having fun when I'm playing. Now I start my practice routine by enjoying myself, playing and warming up at the same time. Another thing I have changed or am trying to change. Control de urge to show others what I'm doing, with social media it's so easy to fall into this trap of getting likes.

[@WallyZ1950]

If you're here looking at this chances are you are an older person. I'm 74 retired and and wanted to play the sax since I took Clarinet in 7th grade for one semester. The school ran out of saxophones and the teacher said, " If I can play the clarinet you can play any woodwind instrument." Well, I don't know about that because I only lasted the one semester because the teacher wasn't to my liking. I'm posting this only because I want people to know regardless of age you can do it. I'm doing okay on my own and really enjoying it. It's just a hobby so I have no expectations of grandeur. Keeping it fun at this point. Thank you Better Sax and Jay for the help you've given me with your very informative videos.

[@keithtyrer9201]

Hi Jay- Everything happens for a reason right.. I’m 59-60 next month. I’ve been working since I was 17. Unfortunately I have a complicated case of Crohn’s and pain meds have destroyed 80% of my teeth. Because of the work being done I won’t begin to rework my tone for a couple of months. Watching your vid was helpful advice. Putting my mindset in a better place. I signed up for your shed and plan to start putting it to use as soon as possible. Hopefully February. In short, you helped inspire me. And I needed that. You’re so right about ego. I never practiced when anyone was around because I Never wanted anyone to hear any mistakes. So I agree we are our worst critics. And I plan to work on that. Thank you again and Happy Holidays.

[@Retro-Man]

Thanks for this, just what I need. I am 72 and have been struggling with my sax through lockdown til now due to the big C. Picked it up again trying to find inspiration. This certainly helps.

[@eladgellert]

Really important video!

[@cousinbilly1259]

71 and used to play quite a bit, had a mark 6, played in highschool , 3rd marine division band , we had a heck of polka band, a few small groups after marines....Recently my wife went into the nursing home. she's doin better now, touch and go for a long time. Been sittin here goin to crap for over a year....now or never. Thanks Bro for the great advice.

[@KRAD]

Thank you for being such a blessing to us who are starting to make some "noise".

[@Hokkenk]

Started studying alto sax in verage age (I am 47) after bass playing and singing many years. I won't give up, I have fun every single day I play my sax.

[@barryoverstreet4876]

Yeah, you have..... your late 40's actually. I've listened to you grow a LOT! You've had a good sound from the start, but I've heard your technique and phrasing grow from strength to strength. Your dedication and commitment are very good examples indeed.

[@fussycatpublishing4142]

I don't think age is a factor. The factor is whether or not you love music. That happens at all ages. I love your Jazz videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@SaxophoneSpencer]

Love this video. I am 47 and am practicing and performing regularly. I am also not only using Better Sax courses but also working with local musicians. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration, Jay!

[@stellavardi825]

Started playing the sax at age 65 I am now 74..and I am playing in a Wind Orchestra ..and I love it so much ..I play on the alto ..a few days ago I decided to buy a tenor ..this is so much fun .. ❤❤❤❤

[@carification]

started playing at 13 and went to college a couple years. I didn't developed as I wished but my kove remained. I'm 70 now and still in love. Health issues have slowed me up, but I love ao much. A xoncert band I was in got invited to Carnegie Hall. Im so grateful for youtube and appreciate the openess and willingness of you and others. Was sked if I was ready to play at church afew days ago. KZbin has answered so many questions I had. KZbin is better than some live teachers. THANKS!!😊😊😊 .

[@beachnut1043]

This is really about life in general, quite philosophical. Thank you, Jay Metcalf!

[@jackcovell3779]

I had a gentleman start taking lessons with me at 82. He did extremely well.

[@Shizi7]

I am 56 years old, a saxophone player, and I got my master's in music at 41. Much of my struggle was not from outside sources, it was from an internal voice that was telling me I was too old and that I had waited too late. I had friends and college professors who encouraged me along the way as well. Here I am at 56 just starting my teaching career while many of my friends are retiring. It can be done.

[@andreaguiotto7982]

56, started sax at 35 and mostly self-taught with glimpses of 1:1 lessons here and there… I duly practice my scales, even play in a group, but gave up trying to improvise… simply, my mind cannot memorize the changes and I don’t remember even the simplest harmonic structure from one day to the other… so I now picked up a transverse flute and enjoy learning it and playing easy tunes (mostly from the Baroque era) and switch from tenor sax to flute whenever my job allows me to.

[@magnuslang8147]

Hello Jay and thank you for your inspiring and musical youtube videos! I`m a swedish musician at the age of 54 and Ivè been a full time musician for almost 30 years now and we need to hear this kind of stuff👍you are a really great saxophone player and I love that instrument🎷Thank you! Best, Magnus from Sweden

[@bowker160270]

This is a wonderful talk applicable to all walks of life, although I watched it as I’ve just started playing the saxophone. Thank you 😊

[@pierreashba]

I started 5 yrs ago, at 42yrs old. I learned on KZbin thanks a lot to you and a couple of other channels. Music is magical and Playing the saxophone is the best thing that happened to me after my family 😊. Thank you for your excellent videos and your inspiration .

[@chrisdyson5513]

Sound and wise advice Jay, thank you.

[@OGStazzy]

This I’m actually helped me a lot. Im 25 and two daughters and though there’s no excuse to neither party it’s nice to hear this really needed this. The touching on “quality time”, this is actually a nice way to look at practicing. It’s a good way of spending time

[@JesusChristisLord1225]

Thank you Jay. This came along and was just what I needed. Although everyone here says they started early and picked up the saxophone again when in their sixties or seventies, with me that’s not the case. I started going to music school last year. I just finished my first year and now in the holidays I was thinking of quitting all together. I will be sixty in October and thanks to you I now see that it is my ego that sits in the way. The idea of never having enough years to become like a pro made me want to quit. Again, thank you very much. I now know that it is okay to be a beginner and that it is okay that everyone else is better than me. As long as I am having fun I am doing okay. Heartfelt gratitude.

[@bettersax]

❤️

[@thesaxcafe457]

This is one of your best videos - truly inspiring - thank you

[@andyd3955]

Hi Jay I am 66 this year picked up the sax after 40 years and been learning for 2 years just loving it, frustrating but such a great sound thanks Andy

[@yaronsemiat4048]

Thank you for this encouraging video that bring me back to focus on essentials. Only compare to myself yesterday and expect tiny changes every day. Playing music, and jazz especially can have its hard moments of discouragement. This video is excellent for gatting back to focus and motivation

[@owennovenski4794]

Lovely, important, well thought through and articulated sentiments. There is no such thing as a non-student and everyone is a work in progress, even against a persons best efforts to make it not so. I would only add one more attribute to discard that opens more doors of possibilities; competitiveness: When you take on music as a profession it throws you into the realm of competition and less into music as an art. The art of music is best served by collaboration and cooperation and can be significantly diminished by the industry of music professionalism which often pits one musician or musical style against another.

[@bettersax]

Agreed. When I gave up playing as my primary occupation to focus on the KZbin channel and courses, I began to enjoy the saxophone much more since it became more of a fun hobby.

[@drfiberglass]

I'm 75 and just started last year. I took 6 months of professional lessons and being a drummer most of my life I found the reading to be changing but I knew the timing aspect of it. It's all about discipline and practicing every day. I now have over 800 hours on the horn and one year and eight months playing time. I have now learned how to keep my squealing under control and just working on the sixteenth note exercises. Playing the sax is a great breathing exercise.

[@Jenbateman74]

I'm 50 next month and I think the small amount each day is something I can try to do - thank you

[@maike-the-owl-is-dancing]

Hello from Germany. Good video. I startet my Tenorsax journey last week and I love it 😍🎷. I am 44 years old and have already singing lessons since 5 years. That is a great advantage for learning the saxophone. I practise every day for about 45 minutes. But not on sundays...got neigbours 🤷‍♀️

[@billyrubine]

I can't wait for this video to end an go pick up my sax to practice...

[@aznjazzer]

As a 35 y/o, all of these tips apply to myself and are very helpful! Recently got back into the sax after years of not playing. Thanks for the words of encouragement, Jay!

[@MelodyMaker]

This is excellent. Any adult picking up an instrument for the first time should give this a listen. I draw so many parallels here to my experience with piano and guitar (sax is third). At the age of 49 I sat down to a piano not knowing middle C. Things have advanced on all three instruments because: I removed the time excuse.I don't care what other people think (after 6 years of posting videos here, I cannot recall one troll or anyone telling me that I play bad). I cut off cable TV. I"m enthusiastic about learning. I expect errors. I change things up and refuse to stagnate. I stay open minded. I visualize myself in front of an audience. I have no sense of destination since music is not my profession.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great video Jay. I love your reminder of removing the ego in our practice. Super important (but often forgotten😊)

[@chernomorets-daniel]

A big THANK YOU! I was in need for a correct mindset

[@ubustudio]

Perfect. So many players need to hear this if only for self-affirmation. I might add one important aspect that might be related to ego. You don’t have to burden yourself with the pressure to perform. Practice can be both the beginning and end result, almost a form of meditation. Certainly group playing can be reassuring and It sounds like your sessions where folks can subscribe to can offer this little bump, but playing music can legitimately be a solo venture. One of learning and self-betterment, and all the more fluid with the tools you help laid out. Thanks.

[@youblumax]

Thank you very much, Jay! 😊 I’m from Bavaria started 3 years ago with 53 to play Tenor-Sax and try to play ideally every day. My personal today’s takeaway: Perhaps the Altissimo-range can still wait (have tried the high G for several days, but it’s obviously too early for me to go into this range…). Love watching your very honest teaching & experience telling 👍🏻👌🏻

[@anonet78]

I learned how play the sax 3 years ago in the covid time now 54, To me it was easy to play.

[@VeniceJackson-u5r]

I don't generally comment on KZbin.... BUT.... this was sooooo GOOD! This was just about life. This was really good; it removes the pressure of living and gives back the joy of learning to live.

[@keithleung4854]

I am now 49 and live in HK. I start to play alto saxophone after I pay up my mortgage at 40. It is not easy to start as there are no jazz heritage and I have no knowledge on musical scales. I can only join some private center class which do not teach you basic. I need to study by books with CDs , study musical theory , get to know the patterns in songs and solve embrochure problem by myself. It is very hard ,coz you have nobody to turn to go for support. But gentleman,please dont give up,now many website s provide go guidance like better sax. I also learn a lot from it and I now have slso play Tenor saxophone. I look forward to Better sax sorpharno later this year.

[@dianashantirosewilks8725]

I can relate at 54 years old, been going for a year from scratch, no music background and love playing. Just joined a small open mic group for fun and get on stage with sax karaoke songs on youtube. Keeping on with scales and music theory but it is quite frustrating at times 🙂

[@angelabarker7491]

@@keithleung4854 I learnt so much from UTube during the COVID lockdown. Thank you, COVID!

[@williesordillo8621]

Wise and hopeful words- thank you, Jay!

[@matta5348]

Great, great stuff Jay! Thank you for those words. We all kinda know it on some level, but it’s so good to hear it and I know it’s coming from a beautiful and positive place. 🎷 ♥️

[@zerstorer335]

I'm looking forward to applying these ideas once my dissertations done and not sucking up all these hours from my week.

[@beckyn9338]

I’m in my 60’s. I played 10 years when I was young, then a 40 year hiatus for career. (Wish I could go back and fix that!) Came back home 8 years ago and started playing some again. This year I decided I would commit to playing every day and WOW what an amazing tool for improvement! I think I have missed playing maybe 7 days total this year (it is mid August as I write this) due to illness or just sheer exhaustion from overtime work. But that’s it. My confidence has shot up, my command on the instrument is increasing daily. It’s just amazing the benefits of daily practice. (And practicing the right stuff!) If only I had done this in my first 10 years! Oh well. No time like the present!

[@proeasylife2005]

This encouraging 😊. I’am 44 and started learning saxophone 🎷 like 6 months ago and think to myself, maybe it’s late and I won’t play saxophone as good as younger people! So i can enjoy my saxophone and helpfully will reach a high level and definitely having enough time to practice everyday is challenging but 5-20 minutes minimum it’s better than nothing

[@toddlaber2325]

jay thanks for the video really really helpful i practice like three or four days a week ill play for like 20 minutes or up to an hour almost im still a work in progress i live in a group home apartment theres people that live above us upstairs and no one has said anything to my staff or myself hey its todd noisy stuff like that i just go through the exercises in my book i play frere jacques jingle bells old macdonald had a farm songs like that i try to practice playing tequila by the champs im allright playing half the song the rest of it is hard as far as hitting the notes real fast slowing down on a certain note i try to play perfect by ed sheeran ionly play almost half of the song i sound okay thanks for listening. the free time that i have i try to practice and i try to take full advantage of that

[@hunkydorian]

Another recidivist here. Pulled the tenor out of the case after maybe 15 years. I never intended to do anything but play short rock solos on my recordings, but there's something intrinsically nice about hearing a sweet tone bouncing around the room.

[@BrianBurgess-jg6bs]

superb stuff Jay cheers

[@barrysmith8920]

Love your channel, Jay 🌹 I bought your cleaning kit too 🥳 Started on alto in 5th grade. Played in my dad’s big band, school jazz band and marching band. Then in the popular rock band Gentlemen Afterdark. We sold a song to the HULU series Hit-Monkey couple years ago, features me on sax 🎷 🙏🏼 Now I’m 67 and going to pick up my dad’s two Lady Face Conn tenors he left me… SO GRATEFUL to still be able to play 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Rockplayer01]

Great video Jay!

[@gabrielrobertogarrido1871]

Gracias Jay por estos consejos, tengo 46 años y empecé a estudiar saxofón hace 5 meses y me encanta! Saludos desde Argentina.

[@c.l.4895]

Thanks for this. Through high school I was always first chair everything without hardly trying, but it was all an illusion. 30 years later the biggest hurdle is knowing what I’m capable of and always falling short. I’m also a jack of all trades by nature, so I’m also trying to learn piano bass and drums at the same time. I’m constantly setting myself up for frustration.

[@andythesaxplayer]

71 here. Playing every day and improving real fast!

[@dvez7542]

Hello Jay, I just bought the alto and I love it. There's nothing "student" about this. Big, warm, beautiful sound. Excellent buy! Started with flute/sax 53years ago, on/off, mostly on. Am 71 in great health, mistaken for 40's so i think I still have more playing juice left on this Earth. LOL! My first horn was a Bundy. This horn is light years in quality and everything else. I absolutely love it and can't wait to make some content. Thanx for putting this out because the $5000+ horns are at the moment a pipe dream. Besides, I grew up around musicians who could really play and there was none of this endless, how do I pick options situations. At the end of the day, a good set up, a clean horn and your ability to think through the instrument is where it's at. Great instrument. Looking forward to getting the tenor!

[@bettersax]

So happy to hear this! Please leave a review where you purchased the alto. It would mean a lot to me.

[@dvez7542]

I purchased the alto via Sweetwater

[@FlautistaMel]

Just got myself an alto sax last week, I’m 54! I’m a flutist, I also play oboe. My heart is with pit orchestras for musicals, I play in at least 2-3 shows a year, I’m looking forward to expanding my doubling skills!