Lots of good options. everyone hits the metronome, go slow part but I like the work backwards...because most people work from the start and you end up playing the front more than the back so this is a good way to keep it balanced. Metronome...that is just like having your own personal (bit of a boring one) drummer. Loved the think through fingerings and alternates and where that will save you and I think it also is a good reason for why you slow down because your mind gets wired to think C fingers like...so you have to force yourself in a riff to make it the natural flow.
Thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate you taking the time to write. Me & metronome go way back, we're great pals. 😉 Hope the other techniques are helpful for you. Chez
Hey again and thank you for this! I'm thinking of upgrading my mouthpiece from the standard one that came with my yamaha (alto) school saxophone, since I have been playing for a while now. What should I look for? What does different mouthpieces feel like, what are their advantages, how do I know I found a good one? Maybe a video about this?
+Malin Ullberg Ooh. Great topic! I could chat about mouthpieces all night! I've been through my fair share over the years before settling on favourites, each of which are incredibly different depending on the sax I'm using - tenor/alto/bari. Basically it's all about finding the right one, but I agree, some tips on what you're looking for would be helpful. I'll definitely do a video on this soon for you hun. Keep an eye on the channel. Mouthpiece chat coming your way fast!
Hey Chez, I was introduced to House Sax this summer at a Full Moon Party with a live tenor player blowing over the top of some house. He was a bit shy for my tastes but still, a quick search on YT and who do I find ... CTF!! Been watching you videos for a month now and finally I'm back in UK. Here's the embarrassing bit. I've been blowing on and off for 40years and never got further than say grade 3/4 (never taken grades but gives you an idea). Last year I had an opportunity to buy a second hand Yanni T901 and took it!! It's barely come out of the case until now. So why have I never got close to the level and playing I aspire to? I never practice, unless for a gig with a band and then I always sight read the horn parts and rely on the Trumpet and alto to carry me. I Never do scales, theory, dexterity, vibrato, growl bend. I struggle to commit a tune to memory and have my own little repertoire etc etc. I had different teachers over the years but never long term and always in an attempt to move my playing on without 'doing my own work' So... rambling on as you do, I'm following your videos, will be making a regular structured practice session towards playing a gig (short set) or two in September when I'm in the Algarve next and look for opportunities to do the same in my home town (Tunbridge Wells). Finally, thanks for your work & dedication, time to make the vids and share and your enthusiasm and love for the channel and the sax. (A revitalised yanni player - Lee)
Nicky this message just blew my mind. Thank you so much! It's delightful people such as yourself which encourage me to keep going with the channel. Big love to you and your yanni ;-) Cxxx
Decades....well I feel a little better. Flip that for me. Started at 58...ok closer to 59! Broke elbow and then dropped student sax and couldn't play 15 months. Any suggestions on improving counting when playing with ensemble of 50-70? The small chunks and working backwards were useful tips.
Counting in all aspects....I tend to get ahead of others. There are 40 plus in our ensemble, 4 - 6 saxes. If I know the lyrics to the song, I stay with the group much better. So I write lyrics in after say 10 measures where other instruments play and no saxes. I guess counting notes in different time signatures, and following directions such as allegro. Allegro as Usain Bolt or like a sprinter vs a jogger?
Lyrics are a really great way to keep time. You should definitely utilise this more honey. Have you watched my video on rhythm? th-cam.com/video/DlKzoYEGdR0/w-d-xo.html
Do you not worry about the metal to metal contact from the clasp? I have a strap with the same kind of clasp and after a few hours of playing I can see fine metal dust where the contact point is wearing out.
+Andy Kopis gosh! That's worrying! I've not noticed anything like that however I am considering changing the clasp purely because it's quite slippery & tricky to get on & off quickly so I can't use it for pit work when doubling. I'll keep an eye on the eye (haha!) & look out for wearing. Thanks for the heads up.
Amazing teaching style
That is a simply amazing music stand. Love the trumpet lamp too! :)
I'm all about the accessories hun ;-)
such an inspiration! looking forward for more tutorials/tips and tricks for beginners 🎷
Thanks for the lovely comment! Really glad you enjoyed the video. More beginner tutorials coming your way! C
Really useful tips Chez! Learning so much from your videos! And it doesn't hurt that you are so charming; I can listen repeatedly! 🚀
Rocket R W Turner ha ha! Yes, my banter gets mixed reviews 😆
Thanks for the lovely kind words rocket. Cx
Nice tutorials.You are prettier than hollywood actresses.
Wowzers! Thanks so much! You've made my day. ☺️ Cx
Lots of good options. everyone hits the metronome, go slow part but I like the work backwards...because most people work from the start and you end up playing the front more than the back so this is a good way to keep it balanced. Metronome...that is just like having your own personal (bit of a boring one) drummer. Loved the think through fingerings and alternates and where that will save you and I think it also is a good reason for why you slow down because your mind gets wired to think C fingers like...so you have to force yourself in a riff to make it the natural flow.
Thanks for your thoughts. Really appreciate you taking the time to write. Me & metronome go way back, we're great pals. 😉 Hope the other techniques are helpful for you. Chez
Hey again and thank you for this! I'm thinking of upgrading my mouthpiece from the standard one that came with my yamaha (alto) school saxophone, since I have been playing for a while now. What should I look for? What does different mouthpieces feel like, what are their advantages, how do I know I found a good one? Maybe a video about this?
+Malin Ullberg Ooh. Great topic! I could chat about mouthpieces all night! I've been through my fair share over the years before settling on favourites, each of which are incredibly different depending on the sax I'm using - tenor/alto/bari. Basically it's all about finding the right one, but I agree, some tips on what you're looking for would be helpful. I'll definitely do a video on this soon for you hun. Keep an eye on the channel. Mouthpiece chat coming your way fast!
Hey Chez, I was introduced to House Sax this summer at a Full Moon Party with a live tenor player blowing over the top of some house. He was a bit shy for my tastes but still, a quick search on YT and who do I find ... CTF!! Been watching you videos for a month now and finally I'm back in UK.
Here's the embarrassing bit. I've been blowing on and off for 40years and never got further than say grade 3/4 (never taken grades but gives you an idea). Last year I had an opportunity to buy a second hand Yanni T901 and took it!! It's barely come out of the case until now. So why have I never got close to the level and playing I aspire to? I never practice, unless for a gig with a band and then I always sight read the horn parts and rely on the Trumpet and alto to carry me. I Never do scales, theory, dexterity, vibrato, growl bend. I struggle to commit a tune to memory and have my own little repertoire etc etc. I had different teachers over the years but never long term and always in an attempt to move my playing on without 'doing my own work' So... rambling on as you do, I'm following your videos, will be making a regular structured practice session towards playing a gig (short set) or two in September when I'm in the Algarve next and look for opportunities to do the same in my home town (Tunbridge Wells). Finally, thanks for your work & dedication, time to make the vids and share and your enthusiasm and love for the channel and the sax. (A revitalised yanni player - Lee)
Nicky this message just blew my mind. Thank you so much! It's delightful people such as yourself which encourage me to keep going with the channel. Big love to you and your yanni ;-) Cxxx
Decades....well I feel a little better. Flip that for me. Started at 58...ok closer to 59! Broke elbow and then dropped student sax and couldn't play 15 months. Any suggestions on improving counting when playing with ensemble of 50-70? The small chunks and working backwards were useful tips.
Kate McGrade do you mean counting for rests? Or counting as in reading rhythm? Have you come across my sight reading tips yet??
Teacher, there are things that I don't want to learn ...saxy vibes..lol
I so need to get a metronome and a lamp
teacher, can help me with this Solo? michel buble "quando quando" please 🙏🙏🙏
Sure thing! I'll try to get on this in the next week or so. Can you post a link to he version you'd like me to transcribe for you? Cx
Counting in all aspects....I tend to get ahead of others. There are 40 plus in our ensemble, 4 - 6 saxes. If I know the lyrics to the song, I stay with the group much better. So I write lyrics in after say 10 measures where other instruments play and no saxes. I guess counting notes in different time signatures, and following directions such as allegro. Allegro as Usain Bolt or like a sprinter vs a jogger?
Lyrics are a really great way to keep time. You should definitely utilise this more honey. Have you watched my video on rhythm? th-cam.com/video/DlKzoYEGdR0/w-d-xo.html
Chez Taylor - Saxophone yes...I watched the video....I also love the video on fingering faster...
Woow!!! Nice tutorial and are you related to Nicole Kidman? You look like her younger sister!!
"I blame my fathers genes" 😂
If you met my father you'd blame him too. His hands look like something out of a Mickey Mouse cartoon! Ha ha!! He's my hero still though ;-)
How many years have you been playing?
Kate McGrade a couple of decades! Oh dear, maybe more than that actually. How depressing! Ha ha. Getting there. Still learning. You never stop 🙂
Ye
What kind of strap is that?
It's beautiful isn't it! www.sax.co.uk/dave-guardala-neck-strap-for-alto-tenor-brown-limited-edition-gold-plated-hook.ir
Absolutely
Do you not worry about the metal to metal contact from the clasp?
I have a strap with the same kind of clasp and after a few hours of playing I can see fine metal dust where the contact point is wearing out.
+Andy Kopis gosh! That's worrying! I've not noticed anything like that however I am considering changing the clasp purely because it's quite slippery & tricky to get on & off quickly so I can't use it for pit work when doubling. I'll keep an eye on the eye (haha!) & look out for wearing. Thanks for the heads up.
XXXXXXX
So amazed that one person could have so much talent AND beauty .....blessed by angels ......:)