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Saxophone Lessons I’m writing this list at a coffee shop in Des Moines, IA before my forty
fifth show on a 44-day tour. In the last 44 days I had the pleasure of
Saxophone Parts
playing in multiple cities in WI, MI, MN, ND, SD, WY, MT, ID, UT, WA,
Saxophone Technique BC, OR, CA, AZ, TX, Mexico, NM, CO, NE and IA, and had the chance to
Tone Production listen to up and coming bands that opened for my group.
Transcriptions

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4/1/2020 9 Pieces of Advice for Young Saxophonists » Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever.
Video In addition to the shows, I got to teach many clinics in high schools
and colleges and interact with the next generation of players. I met
many talented musicians who are confused by the abundance of
music online and the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of
saxophone. I hope this list will help you find focus, advance your
playing and as a result your career.

9 Pieces of Advice for Young

Saxophonists
1. Play all the time. Practicing is key, but not enough. If you can’t play
seven shows a week then go to jam sessions or just play with your
friends, but play constantly. I wouldn’t go to a dentist that only sees
ten patients a year and the same applies to saxophonists.

2. Your musical taste is your talent. Don’t let social media fads and
peer pressure affect your center.

3. When you play a solo, the spotlight is on you and the attention is
directed at you. Act accordingly. Play with confidence, no one is
impressed by an ironic demeanor and fake humbleness.

4. Playing altissimo and wailing on low notes is great, but 99.9% of

your playing should be done in the middle range of the horn.

5. Use soft reeds and easy setups. It’s hard enough to play well
without shooting yourself in the foot, and no one knows or cares
what you play on.

6. Learn how to play inside the harmony, play with good tone, and
have good rhythm. If you still want to learn how to play “out” after
mastering these three aspects then go ahead, but not before.

7. How you play the notes (vibrato, tone, volume, attack, etc) is just as
important as which notes you play.

8. You’re only as good as you play. Your grades don’t matter, the licks
and solos you learned don’t matter, what you know (or think you
know) doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is the music you
make.

9. The world of saxophone is endless. Make sure you stay interested

and curious about it. There is always more you don’t know than
what you know. Always approach music and information with an
open mind. Even players you don’t necessarily love store great
lessons for you if you’re open to receive them.

Now it’s your turn…

If you have any of your own pieces of advice for young saxophonists,
please leave them in the comments below – the more the merrier!

Danny’s band, Marbin released their 8th album December 1st,

2019. To celebrate this release they are now offering a FREE
download of a compilation of their music. One song from each of
the seven albums they released to date.
https://marbinmusic.bandcamp.com/album/marbin-sampler-free

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Danny Markovitch
Danny Markovitch is a co-leader of Marbin. Marbin is a fusion band
based in Chicago, IL, with a unique story that stands out in today's
music world. With a do-it-yourself approach, Marbin started
touring extensively in 2011, bringing their original instrumental
music to every part of the United States. Through word of mouth, Marbin has gained
tens of thousands of devoted fans all over the world, and has sold tens of thousands of
albums. Marbin has released eight albums: Marbin (2009), Breaking the Cycle(2011),
Last Chapter of Dreaming (2013), The Third Set (2014), Aggressive Hippies (2015),
Goatman and the House of the Dead (2016), Israeli Jazz (2018) and Strong Thing
(2019). Marbin regularly plays in clubs all over the US and in jazz, jam, and progressive
rock festivals around the world.
→ Danny Markovitch

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Brilliant advice…especially regarding TONE…the most important Sam on A Killer 12-Key Workout Using Coltrane’s
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