Saxophone

Altissimo, literally translated as "very high" in Italian, is a high-pitched technique with which even the most advanced saxophonists grapple. The altissimo range on the instrument occurs…

Articulation is a very important part of successfully playing the saxophone. Learn how to articulate on a saxophone with help from a saxophonist in this free video clip.

The neck of a saxophone is one of the most important parts. Find out how to fix the neck of a saxophone with help from a saxophonist in this free video clip.

There are a few things that can contribute to your saxophone having a bad smell. Learn why your saxophone has a bad smell with help from a saxophonist in this free video clip.

Octaves on a saxophone is actually pretty simple - its just a matter of pressing the octave key. Learn how to do octaves on a saxophone with help from a saxophonist in this free video clip.

If you find that your tongue feels worn out after playing the saxophone for a stretch, learn a new technique that relaxes your tongue and also helps you to play through very fast pieces with ease and…

Restoring a saxophone is a time-consuming process that requires some basic mechanical skill. The saxophone plating can't be polished since the brass is raw, and polishing will only serve to create…

The saxophone is played in marching bands, jazz combos and rock 'n' roll acts. Patented by Adolphe Sax in 1846, the first saxophone was a large bass sax, made and played by the inventor for its first…

Figuring out how to finger the notes on a saxophone is the first step in learning how to play it. The fingering is the same for all types of sax, from soprano to bass. The first three fingers on each…

One of the saxophone's most distinguishing features, aside from its easily discernible sound, is the shiny brass finish. Over time a saxophone's lacquer finish tends to fade and become dull-looking.…

The saxophone is most commonly associated with jazz, and one of the most important skills a jazz player can have is the ability to produce a smooth sound that can blend well with other instruments…

Growling is a common effect used in various wind instruments, including the family of saxophones. It is generally used to create an aggressive tone that combines the sound of the saxophone and the…

After months of regular use, the mouthpiece of your saxophone can accumulate countless bacteria. To prevent illness or oral infection, the mouthpiece should be sanitized regularly. If you are new to…

Improving your tone to get a sweet tone on the alto saxophone requires strength-building exercises for the embouchure. If you practice the correct exercises, your embouchure will improve and you will…

The mark of a great saxophonist is one who can finger notes very quickly. Great musicians, such as Charlie Parker, can hit notes quickly without you even noticing they pressed a single key. This…

The soprano saxophone, much like the other versions (tenor, alto, baritone), must be kept clean in order to preserve the functionality of the woodwind instrument. The saxophone must be cleaned inside…

The neck cork of a saxophone is an important piece of the instrument that's often overlooked when troubleshooting a saxophone doesn’t sound right. A chipped or loose cork should be replaced to…

If you own and play the saxophone the proper upkeep and storage of the instrument is of the utmost importance. Many people store their saxophones safely in their cases but you can also place it on a…

Seventeenth century French philosopher Blaise Pascal asserted that the two kinds of minds are the mathematical and the intuitive. The mathematical mind uses rules and processes to reach conclusions.…

Knowing how to put together an alto saxophone properly will ensure that you can concentrate on playing and not worry about whether the instrument will fall apart in your hands. There are several main…

Musical instruments produce accurate tones only when their parts work together with precision. Few instruments have as precisely crafted and interdependent parts as the saxophone. Each key works in…

Musicians must adjust their mouthpieces correctly to ensure a good fit with the instrument. There are different methods for adjusting mouthpieces on brass and woodwind instruments. Depending on the…

For jazz musicians, fluttering can give songs character by making a note sound menacing and surprising the audience with a sudden burst of sound. Classical musicians looking to play the works of…

Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone back in the early 1840s. According to the Musika Lesson website, Sax's original intent was for the instrument to be part of the classical orchestra. Although it…

Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional, taking pictures of objects such as a saxophone requires keeping a few things in mind. One thing you want to do before your photo session…

Soft and sexy or loud and rocking, the saxophone is one of the most recognizable instruments in music today. Used in almost every genre, the saxophone's popularity has continued to grow, and many…

The Selmer AS300 brand saxophone is favored by many beginners for its durability and affordability. As with most alto saxophones, it has three basic parts: the body, the neck and the mouthpiece.…

Playing any instrument well requires that you properly setup the instrument for play before sounding your first note. This is especially true of reed instruments, such as the Alto Saxophone. The setup…

A saxophone mouthpiece is the place where the initial sound production occurs. As air travels across the reed, it will start to vibrate and create the basis for sound production. While the saxophone…

Serial numbers are tricky to find on band instruments. Countless physical details and an assemblage of parts make it tedious to search for the number. No matter what instrument you play -- from a…

The saxophone was conceived and first assembled by19th century Belgian clarinetist Adolphe Sax. Seeking to strike a balance between woodwind and brass instruments, Sax fused a brass body, bow and bell…

For a musician to perform to his or her potential, the instrument involved needs to be of high quality, and be well maintained. The success of the woodwind player, specifically the saxophone player,…

Maintaining your woodwind instrument is essential to good sound quality and proper functioning. Oftentimes, clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces accumulate germy buildup from regular use and should be…

Saxophonists keep their instruments in special cases that protect them during transport. Saxophones are vulnerable to damage because of the large number of delicately balanced keys and levers the…

Instruments are classified into different categories including strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Brass instruments differ from others due to the use of cup mouthpieces. Cup mouthpieces…

If your loved one is a saxophone player, either a professional or restless enthusiast, you have the opportunity to give a special gift for Valentine's Day which serves as a strong reminder of their…

The saxophone is a brass instrument with a single reed and 24 openings controlled by padded keys. The pads on the keys are vital to the success of the instrument. If the pads degrade, air leaks out…

With a sound ranging from smooth and sultry to powerfully rough and soulful, the saxophone, or sax, is one of the most unique woodwind instruments. Once intended for orchestras and military bands, the…

Saxophones need to be taken care of in order to maintain the look, sound and quality of the instrument. There are certain things that can be done to protect each aspect of the saxophone. For the mouth…

The pads on Yamaha alto saxophones help to prevent audible clicking of the keys as you switch from note to note and provide an airtight seal between the keys the pad cups. Replacing the pads is…

Alto saxophone is a popular wind instrument with beginner students. The instrument is relatively straightforward to learn, fits in well with a student ensemble and has the versatility to be used in…

Refacing a saxophone mouthpiece is a complex and intricate art, most often done by trained professionals. There are several things you can do, however, that will make your reed instruments more…

Reeds are made from bamboo, plastic and fiberglass, but bamboo, also called cane, is the most common and most popular. Reeds also have different thicknesses often described as soft or hard. The…

Some guitar stands and saxophone stands are similar in structure. Frequently, the only differentiating feature between the two is the width of the support. Guitar stands tend to feature a wide "U"…

Many people think that the sound a saxophone produces is dependent on the air being forced through the instrument. While this is part of what makes a saxophone produce music, a major part is based on…

Until recently, saxophonists bought music in stores or through mail order. The process was time-consuming and there was limited access to titles. Today, musicians may download music immediately from…

Learning any instrument can be a rewarding, fulfilling challenge at any age and skill level. Saxophones are instruments with a variety of sound, style and pitch levels, and can perform successfully in…

Whether it's classical music, jazz or rock 'n' roll, the sound of the saxophone is distinct. There are four types of saxophone -- soprano, alto, tenor and baritone -- that are roughly equivalent in…

King Zephyr saxophones are a specific type and model of horn which were introduced to the market in the 1930s. King brand horns include the Zephyr model of saxophone.

Vibrato is a component of many musical styles that requires a fair amount of lip control to master. Practice a vibrato technique on a saxophone with a demonstration from a music instructor in this…

There are hundreds of improvisation types for the saxophone, with blues being the roots. Work on different types of saxophone improvisations with tips from a professional jazz musician in this free…

To embellish jazz saxophone melodies, try beginning with a plain old melody that everybody knows. Start to embellish jazz saxophone melodies with guidance from a professional jazz musician in this…

When using the saxophone mouthpiece, you have to bite just hard enough to engage the reed into the airstream that you are blowing. Properly use the saxophone mouthpiece with tips from a professional…

Swing exercises for advanced saxophone players will actually help you to play advanced notes such as ghost notes. Practice this swing exercise for advanced saxophone players from a professional jazz…

The Buescher Band Instrument Company is considered by many musicians to have been one of the finest saxophone makers in the world. Although the company no longer exists, its instruments remain eagerly…

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument made of metal. A neck strap is an imperative accessory to hold and support the heavy saxophone whether you play seated, standing or marching in a band. It…

Learning to play saxophone online is beneficial compared to one-on-one lessons--learning saxophone online is less expensive, fits around your schedule and offers a wider variety of music, technique…

There are many great options when buying a saxophone for a beginners, but you should definitely have a good instrument technician check out a few things first. Buy the best saxophone for a beginner…

The flutter tonguing technique for the saxophone is the rapid oscillation of the tongue, and is used quite often. Practice the flutter tonguing technique with help from a Broadway musician and private…

Single and double tongue techniques for the saxophone are very important to learn for the woodwind players' arsenal of techniques. Work on your tonguing techniques for the saxophone with tips from a…

To hold a saxophone properly, it's important to have the thumb rest adjusted to fit the position of your hand. Make sure you hold the saxophone properly with advice from a Broadway musician and…

To tune your saxophone, there are several factors to keep in mind, such as making sure your saxophone is in great playing shape. Properly tune your saxophone with advice from a Broadway musician and…

When assembling a saxophone mouthpiece, it's important to put the ligature on first to prevent chipping or gouging of the tip of the reed. Assemble your saxophone mouthpiece with help from a Broadway…

Assembling the saxophone is quite easy, and there are only three basic parts to be familiar with. Easily assemble a saxophone with tips from a Broadway musician and private teacher in this free video…

The saxophone has many different styles associated with it, from jazz, big band, classical and contemporary music. Discover the different music and styles of the saxophone with guidance from a…

The different types of saxophones traditionally consist of the soprano, the alto, the tenor and the baritone. Become familiar with the different types of saxophones with guidance from a Broadway…

For beginner saxophone techniques, it's important to hum and blow into the mouthpiece to work on getting good sounds from your saxophone. Properly blow into your saxophone with tips from a Broadway…

The trill technique for saxophone beginners is a great exercise to develop finger strength. Improve the strength of your fingers with exercises from a Broadway musician and private teacher in this…

The saxophone is an instrument that bridges the design gap between woodwind and brass orchestral instruments. The body of the saxophone is based on a brass instrument, but the mouthpiece is of…

Saxophone pads must be replaced, and not repaired. If you don't think you can do this, don't. It is better to just pay a repairer instead of seriously messing up your instrument. However, if you're…

Since the 19th century, the saxophone has delighted audiences and fans of every genre of music, including classical, jazz and pop. When purchasing an instrument you want to last for years and that…

A lot goes into learning to play the saxophone. It's not simply a matter of pressing the right keys while blowing into the mouthpiece. Every aspect of playing this instrument involves technique and…

The saxophone is among the most popular instruments for children to select when entering a school music program. While it is rare to hear some other concert band instruments on the radio, the…

Transferring music from one instrument to another is an easy process, provided you understand the characteristics of the instruments. A flute has some similarities in terms of playing style and…

A saxophone is a complex and delicate instrument, and as such, requires a degree of care and maintenance over time. Most of this care is preventative, intended to keep corrosion or other problems…

The saxophone "growl" is a novelty sound produced by singing or humming a note while blowing a note on the sax. When executed correctly, this technique produces a rough, muddy tone which is often…

Yamaha saxophones have consistently been well crafted and known for their quality. Many top flight saxophone players use Yamaha model horns, albeit professional models. Yamaha's are like most horns,…

In the 19th century, Adolphe Sax created the saxophone to bridge the gap between the woodwind and brass sections. The saxophone was further developed into different "voices," such as the soprano,…

A stencil saxophone is any saxophone made by a major manufacturing company and then delivered to the recipient without the brand name listed on the sax. Stencil companies included Conn, Buescher,…

The saxophone was invented in 1841 by Belgian musician Adolphe Sax. According to the-saxophone.com, Sax invented the instrument because he "became aware of a tonal disparity between strings, brasses…

The saxophone is one of the most popular musical instruments, known for its mellow yet vibrant tone heard in concert bands, jazz ensembles and big bands. Classified as a woodwind, yet made of brass,…

All saxophones are single-reed instruments that require a mouthpiece, a reed, and a ligature. The reed is usually made of cane or plastic and is held onto the mouthpiece by the ligature. The player…

The soprano saxophone has the highest pitch among the most popular types of saxophones. A daily practice routine is necessary for learning to play the soprano saxophone. Practice should be uniform and…

Refinishing the lacquer on a saxophone is no easy job, but it can be done. It should be done by a professional if possible. Bearing in mind the labor that goes into refinishing work, a full overhaul…

Saxophones, like many woodwinds, are mechanically complex instruments with a large number of individual parts. In order to play them, you must first assemble them in the proper manner. The assembly…

The Buescher Aristocrat is an important saxophone. Simon Rascher, the famous classical saxophonist, played a Buescher. It is fairly easy to figure out how old a saxophone is by tracing the serial…

Saxophones are fun and comparatively easy instruments to learn. There are some inherent difficulties that most beginners face however and these difficulties can be addressed with a few short and easy…

Cleaning a saxophone mouthpiece is quite easy and should be done every two weeks. Not only will this keep the mouthpiece clean of bacteria and dirt, but a clean mouthpiece will play better as well.

Sticky saxophone pads cause aggravation and affect the playability of your horn. This occurs from regular condensation in the bore of the instrument from saliva, which can later mix with the natural…

Removing corrosion from a saxophone can be a simple process if the type of corrosion is properly identified. Corrosion can come in the form of rust, metal degradation or oxidation. Identification is…

Stripping a sax of its lacquer can be tricky business. The lacquer protects the metal from rust and contact erosion, and the sound difference between a lacquered horn and an un-lacquered horn are as…

The saxophone can evoke many emotions with its sultry sound. Its use in jazz music makes it a popular instrument to study. When learning to play the saxophone, one of the most important things to get…

Every saxophonist needs an instrument case. They are essential to storing or transporting your instrument without damaging it or losing any pieces or accessories. Because of this, saxophones almost…

The saxophone is one of the easier instruments to hold. But improper hand positioning and bad habits can create problems when the player begins to learn more advanced fingerings. Mastering the proper…

Soldering is a delicate procedure, particularly on a saxophone. To solder silver, the step-by-step process is a little different than for other metals, and it requires silver solder as opposed to…

The saxophone is a diverse instrument. As a saxophonist, you have the opportunity to play in a variety of ensembles including concert bands, jazz bands and rock bands. Each band has a unique quality…

Woodwind instruments, like the clarinet, saxophone, flute and oboe, must be swabbed. This involves running a small cloth attached to a string through the length of the instrument. The primary purpose…

Whether you're buying, selling or merely curious about a saxophone, a very useful piece of information is the saxophone's serial number. According to Saxquest.com, a saxophone's serial number can be…

The saxophone is a unique woodwind instrument combining a playing technique similar to the clarinet and flute while producing the bright radiant tones of a brass instrument. Refurbishing a used…

Refurbishing a used saxophone to a restored condition takes a little time and effort, but will pay off when you see a beautiful instrument afterward. Buying a used saxophone and refurbishing it…

The soprano saxophone is one of the top four saxophones that are used and ranks slightly lower than the alto and tenor saxophones. The other one among the top four is the baritone. The soprano…

Soldering a saxophone can be a delicate procedure, and it requires particular materials and patience. The step-by-step process to solder a saxophone with silver plate is similar to soldering anything…

Playing saxophone is a wonderful hobby and a lot of fun. The more you play the better you get and the more fun you can have. Getting better requires disciplined practice and patience.

Soprano saxophone has become a very popular instrument in the last decade, made popular by artists including George Howard and Kenny G. The soprano sound is quite unique within the saxophone family.

The saxophone can play smooth jazz, concert band pieces or solos over an orchestra. The four major types of saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone) increase the amount of people who can play…

The soprano saxophone was invented in 1840. It is one of the smallest of the saxophone family (only the sopranino and the new "soprillo" saxophone are smaller). Dave Koz and Kenny G are two well-known…

The pads of a saxophone perform the essential function of forming an air-tight seal over the holes of a saxophone, creating a sound of the right pitch and tone. Every saxophone's pads must be cleaned…

The sound you get from your saxophone is created by a combination of factors that all work together to produce widely varying tones. The style of music and sound you wish to achieve will determine the…

Changing a few pads on a saxophone is not too difficult, but to repad an entire horn is a job that should be tackled by a trained professional. When all or the majority of all the pads need to be…

A daily practice routine for saxophone is a must if one desires to be a good player. Ideally, a routine will be just that, routine. Practice must be uniform and deal with issues you have as a player,…

Martin saxophones have been of medium interest to professional players over the years. The quality of the instrument, as well as its superior scroll work, has kept players mildly interested.

The smallest and highest-pitched of the four standard saxophones, the soprano sax has both similarities to and differences from the other instruments in the sax family. While the instrument is made up…

The brass finish on an old saxophone may be worn and dull, but you can make the horn look new again by silver-plating it. The actual process of silver-plating is not all too difficult, but the secret…

Although it seems to be older, the saxophone was invented only a half century after Mozart's death. The saxophone is one of the most versatile instruments in the world. Famous saxophonists have been…

Ever since its invention in 1841, by French instrument maker Adolphe Sax, the saxophone has been popular due to its ability to bridge the tonal gap between brass and woodwind instruments. Because of…

When playing saxophone, the "sharp four" are used to move on to the blues scale. Learn about the "sharp four" on saxophone with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind…

Playing a sharp four on the saxophone sounds a bit like a flat five in some cases. Learn a bit about music theory and the differences between flat fives and sharp fourths from an experienced saxophone…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of C, the notes C, E and G are used. Play arpeggios in the key of C on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of A, the notes A, C sharp and E natural are used. Play arpeggios in the key of A on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of E, go from B to E with the octave key. Play arpeggios in the key of E on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of C sharp, the notes C sharp, F and G sharp are used. Play arpeggios in the key of C sharp on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of D, the notes D, F sharp and A are used. Play arpeggios in the key of D on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of F, the triad of F, A and C is used. Play saxophone arpeggios in the key of F with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind…

In saxophone arpeggios, use the bass to play in the key of E flat. Play saxophone arpeggios in the key of E flat with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind instruments.

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of D flat, the triad of D flat, A flat and F is used. Play saxophone arpeggios in the key of D flat with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of G, the notes G, B and D are used. Play arpeggios in the key of G on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of B, the notes B, D sharp and F sharp are used. Play arpeggios in the key of B on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of F sharp, try practicing with a bass. Play arpeggios in the key of F sharp on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of B flat, it's helpful to play the bass. Play saxophone arpeggios in the key of B flat with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free video on…

When playing saxophone arpeggios in the key of A flat, the triad of A flat, E flat and C is used. Play saxophone arpeggios in the key of A flat with lessons from a music theory teacher in this free…

When notes of a chord on saxophone are played separately, they are known as arpeggios. Play arpeggios on the saxophone with tips from a music theory teacher in this free video on woodwind instruments.

When reading music for saxophone, remember that the beginning of pieces will have a key signature unless every note is natural. Learn about key signatures when playing the saxophone with tips from a…

When learning to play the saxophone, it is important to keep the breath even and master proper tonguing techniques. Blow and tongue the saxophone properly with tips from a saxophone instructor in this…

Playing the saxophone requires the musician to keep all the fingers down in order to maintain correct fingering techniques. Finger saxophone keys properly with tips from a saxophone instructor in this…

Saxophone hand positions should allow both right and left-handed players to reach the saxophone keys comfortably. Position hands and fingers correctly on the saxophone with tips from a saxophone…

Mouth position, or embouchure, for the saxophone is an important part of playing the best tones and sounds. Position the mouth properly on the saxophone with tips from a saxophone instructor in this…

Gently handling a saxophone by the bell and the rods is an important part of caring for and playing the saxophone. Handle a saxophone properly with tips from a saxophone instructor in this free video…

Music theory is very important when playing and reading saxophone sheet music involving octaves. Read octave musical progressions for the saxophone with tips from an experienced musician in this free…

The octave key on a saxophone will change the note played to an octave higher by pressing it. Play this useful key with tips from an experienced musician in this free video.

Playing a flat five on the saxophone sounds a bit more like a sharp four in some cases. Learn a bit about music theory and the differences between flat fives and sharp fourths from an experienced and…

Breathing is the most important part of playing the saxophone and there are techniques that help musicians establish rhythms in their breathing to stay in control of their instrument. Discover new…

Breathing is the most important part of playing the saxophone and knowing the anatomy of the lungs is vital to knowing how to breathe correctly. Discover new techniques for breathing as a saxophone…

When playing the saxophone, there are several important breathing techniques that saxophone players can practice. Discover new techniques for breathing as a saxophone player with tips from an…

Breathing is the most important part of playing the saxophone and there are techniques that help musicians establish rhythms in their breathing to stay in control of their instrument. Discover new…

Breathing is the most important part of playing the saxophone and the butterfly stretch is a technique that opens the lungs and allows them to stretch and let more air in and out. Discover new…

Support power tones through a saxophone with the abdomen. Learn about making power tones through a saxophone in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

A saxophone reed should be hitting the middle part of the reed. Learn about using the mouth on saxophone mouthpieces in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

All saxophones have a thumb rest to help to determine where to put the hands. Learn about saxophone hand positioning in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

Imagine that you're looking at someone the same height as you when playing a saxophone. Learn about saxophone posture in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

Make sure the embouchure muscles support the saxophone and not the teeth. Learn about building embouchure muscles to help in saxophone playing in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

Long tones on saxophones are used to create more control. Learn about making long tones through a saxophone in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

The facing of a saxophone mouthpiece is where the reed separates from the mouthpiece. Learn about saxophone mouthpiece facings in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

Mouthpieces for saxophone are made of many different materials. Learn about saxophone mouthpieces in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

There's more to making sounds in a saxophone than blowing into it without considering the teeth and lips. Learn about blowing into saxophone mouthpieces in this free music lesson video from a…

Embouchure is the term for the muscles used to play a saxophone. Learn about saxophone playing and embouchure muscles in this free music lesson video from a saxophonist.

Great exercise to warm up for your practice routine. Learn more drills for improving your saxophone playing skills in this free saxophone lesson video from a professional saxophone instructor.

Fun and practical exercise for mastering the saxophone. Learn more ways to improve your playing skills in this free saxophone lesson video from a professional saxophone instructor.

Master playing intervals to get control over your saxophone. Learn intervals to improve your playing skills in this free saxophone lesson video from a professional saxophone instructor.

Cover all three pearl keys on the front of the saxophone. Learn proper fingering for playing the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Articulation is the quality of sound you get out of the saxophone. Learn the proper way to tongue the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Lung strength is an important part of playing saxophone. Learn proper breath control for playing the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Slur the first two notes of a scale for this saxophone exercise. Learn how slur notes when playing the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Keep your back straight when playing the saxophone. Learn the correct posture for playing the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Keep a tight embouchure when playing the saxophone. Learn the proper embouchure for playing the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional sax player.

Cut loose with your saxophone skills. Learn about swinging jazz techniques for the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional jazz saxophonist.

Tap the saxophone reed with your tongue to stop it from vibrating. Learn more advanced playing techniques for the saxophone in this free music lesson from a professional jazz saxophonist.

The primary source of sound in a saxophone is the reed, made of cane or synthetic materials. It is affixed to the mouthpiece and vibrates when air is blown into the mouthpiece.

The essence of the soprano saxophone's sound begins in the mouthpiece with a piece called a reed. The reed is a thin strip of bamboo cane. This fragile piece is so temperamental and fragile that it…

A saxophone belongs to a family of instruments called the woodwinds. In woodwinds, sound is produced through a vibrating reed or reeds at the mouthpiece (or simply with air passage and no reed in the…

A saxophone is a musical instrument that is made from brass. However it is categorized as a woodwind due to its use of a reed. The instrument has a long wind chamber that curves upwards at the bottom…

The distinctly curved saxophone is one of the most widely used woodwind instruments in popular music. While the saxophone has been around since the nineteenth century, the instrument truly became…

Whether it be the screaming sound of a blues band or the soothing sounds of a classical orchestra, the saxophone has always found a place in modern ensembles. The vast range and diversity of the…

Some instruments are straightforward in their construction. A wooden flute is just a hollowed-out piece of wood with finger holes drilled into it. Even a guitar or violin seems fairly simple to an…

When tuning a saxophone, the basic idea is to move the mouthpiece in or out, depending on if the horn should be sharper or more flat. Find out why it's so important to tune saxophones for a…

There are different kinds of saxophones, including the alto saxophone, the tenor saxophone, the soprano saxophone and the baritone saxophone. Find out how different saxophones are keyed with help from…

There are many great saxophone brands, including Selmar, Yamaha and Yanagisawa. Learn how to find the right saxophone for a specific level of ability with help from a professional saxophonist in this…

Saxophones are made of metal, and some will have nickel or brass, while others will be covered in lacquer. Find out how cork is used to protect the keys on a saxophone with help from a professional…

When you've come to the decision to purchase a saxophone, there are several things to keep in mind, such as brand, which determines longevity and sound. There are good and very bad brands of…

A saxophone has the color of a brass instrument, but a reed like a woodwind. It has a bell like a tuba or a horn, but the fingerings of a clarinet or a flute. The saxophone seems to be the strangest…

Though they are made of brass (or other metals), saxophones are considered woodwind instruments. This is because of the way they sound and how they're played. A saxophone works in the same basic way…

The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax. The Brussels-born instrument maker wanted to make an instrument that was a combination of brass and woodwind. He patented his invention in Paris on March 20,…

Tuning a saxophone is a vital part of playing in pleasant harmony with an ensemble and equally important when performing solo. Playing a saxophone in tune requires the musician to control several…

The art of improvising or jamming permeates all levels of music, but it is most prominent in jazz. Jazz improvisation is the culmination of years of practice and playing many gigs with standard jazz…

Use techniques to embellish saxophone melodies for advanced jazz sax players; learn how with tips from our expert jazz sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use certain techniques to play jazz improvisation for advanced jazz sax players; learn how with tips from our expert jazz sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Find out whether buying a new or used sax, or renting a saxophone is the best option for a beginner; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Soprano sax, tenor sax, alto sax and baritone sax, understand the difference between types of saxophones; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use humming and blowing techniques when playing the saxophone as a beginner; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Tune the saxophone without taking it into a shop, so it will play accurate notes; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use the sax vibrato technique when playing the saxophone; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use the flutter tongue skill when playing a saxophone; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use the trilling technique on a saxophone for beginners to sound like pros; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use single and double tonguing techniques when playing the saxophone; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use the proper technique for holding a saxophone when playing; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Put a saxophone together the right way to get the best sound from the instrument; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

From classical to blues, jazz to funk, play all of the saxophones sounds; learn how with tips from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Use the saxophone mouthpiece with the proper mouthpiece techniques and learn how from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Assemble an alto saxophone from and mouthpiece down to the strap and learn how from our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Learn how to understand baritone saxophone ligatures and get professional instruction for playing this versatile and beautiful instrument in this free music lesson video.

Saxophone embouchure is how your mouth, reed and mouthpiece interact when playing a sax and learn more with tips from our expert tenor sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

The tenor saxophone, when and how it was created and its different types are discussed by our expert sax player in this free sax video music lesson.

Taking apart your saxophone requires that you do things in a certain order when you're handling the instrument. Learn how to disassemble a saxophone with tips from a professional saxophone player in…

Putting together a saxophone is pretty simple but be sure to always start with the neck strap. Learn how to assemble a saxophone with tips from a professional saxophone player in this free music…

To keep your saxophone safe it is important to have a good care of bag. Learn how to pick out a good saxophone case with tips from a professional saxophone player in this free music lesson video.

There are several types of saxophone neck straps that can vary in their comfort levels. Learn how to pick a saxophone neck strap with tips from a professional saxophone player in this free music…

Saxophones can range in price depending on what class of horn they are in. Learn about the different classes and how they affect prices with tips from a professional saxophone player in this free…

There are four different types of saxophones including the tenor sax and alto sax. Learn about each type of saxophone with tips from a professional saxophone player in this free music lesson video.

Watch a saxophone breathing control exercise to help you learn how to control your breathing when playing the saxophone - free saxophone lesson taught by a professional saxophone player.

Controlling your breathing when playing the saxophone is a technique that must be practiced. Learn how to control your breathing and practice breathing control for playing the saxophone in this free…

Practicing the saxophone well is important for performing well with the saxophone. Learn why it is important to practice the saxophone in this free video lesson taught by a professional saxophone…

When you don’t have the funds or time to bring your saxophone into a music technician, do-it-yourself repairs can help when you’re in a crunch. Although most of these suggestions are…

When a saxophonist is asked to perform the trill effect, he should know that this is more than simply alternating between two notes. Made famous by Cannonball Adderly and King Curtis, the trill effect…

Many beginning saxophone players make the mistake of throat tonguing, articulating the notes by stopping the flow of air by constricting their throats. The correct technique is to use the tongue to…

A saxophone can provide a mellow sound to any instrumental piece of music. However, there are a number of things that can cause the saxophone to be off key. Here are a few things you can do to…

Jazz, blues and rock saxophonists use various techniques to get a more raw, edgy sound out of their instruments. One of the most popular sound effects on the saxophone is the growl, which can be…

You finished playing your soprano saxophone and are ready to put it away. You pull out the cleaning swab, drop it through the bell of the saxophone and then realize it's stuck about halfway through…

Saxophone rental makes sense for a variety of reasons. If your child is just exploring her musical abilities, renting a saxophone gives you the option to return the instrument if she changes her mind…

Flutter tonguing isn't really used to articulate notes the way that single- or double-tonguing does. Rather, it's an effect that breaks up and blurs the note being played and works well when the…

Of the 9 different types of saxophones, only 4 are commonly used in bands and orchestras today--the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Each has its own individual sound, making them useful for…

One of the elemental aspects of jazz is improvisation, which is melodic inspiration used to create a new vibe to the music. Saxophone players need a good ear for what blends with the music. If you…

The foundation for a success with the saxophone begins with the right hand and finger position. Holding your hands in the correct way will not only give you the freedom to move your fingers quickly…

If you are just learning to play the saxophone, then you know that to make a sound you must use your mouth to cause the reed to vibrate, the air rushes through the instrument and your sound is…

When you play tenor saxophone, motion of the lower jaw creates vibrato. By moving your lower jaw down while playing a note, you lower the pitch as well. In beginner tenor saxophone, it's important to…

When you correctly form your teeth and lips around the mouthpiece of your alto sax, you eliminate squeaky, pinched-off tones. As you practice playing your alto sax, you should experiment to determine…

If you play the saxophone, you must know how to properly maintain your instrument. The saxophone is no different than any other frequently used appliance. To ensure years of enjoyment, learn the…

If you are learning to play the saxophone, holding it properly is an important part of the process. Proper holding technique makes the saxophone easier to play because you can get more air into your…

The decision to buy a musical instrument is often requires much preparation and investigation. Instruments are expensive and can be an important investment. Saxophones are one of the most sought after…

Playing a saxophone hinges on assembling the instrument properly. While it may appear a difficult undertaking, it's quite easy. Just lay out all of the pieces of your saxophone including the body,…

The quality of care given to any musical instrument can mean the difference in it surviving a year or lasting a lifetime. A saxophone is no exception to this theory. When properly cared for, it will…

Proper care and cleaning of a saxophone will not only help it produce a clear tone but will prolong its life as well. A straight saxophone, such as the soprano, requires special tools to be properly…