How (& Why) To Practice Saxophone Quietly
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 พ.ค. 2020
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One of the best things I ever did for my saxophone sound was develop the practice of playing saxophone quietly.
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Bob Reynolds is an American jazz saxophonist and 3x Grammy Award-winning member of Snarky Puppy. He's toured with John Mayer, Larry Carlton, and many others and released 12 solo albums-4 of which reached the Top 10 in Billboard's Jazz Charts. A pioneering educator, Bob has coached thousands of musicians through his innovative Virtual Teaching Studio bobreynoldsmusic.com/studio. He is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist and lives with his wife and kids in Los Angeles, CA.
#jazz #practice #patterns #saxophone - เพลง
Are there any other non-saxophone players out there who love learning about/applying Bob’s musical approach? I play bass and trombone, and I feel like I get so much out of following Bob’s channel
accordion player here! yes, absolutely
Classical guitar player here! I get very much out of his approach to practice, productivity and music in general.
Bass !!
bassist here. His "perfect is the enemy of good" lecture really inspired me to complete some big projects on my own YT channel.
Guitar here!
Bob Reynolds. Renowned author of the bestselling book "Parenting while Practicing, or Practicing while Parenting!"
I’m going to incorporate the way you continue through with the fingerings while taking a breath. So often I will completely stop what I’m doing to take a breath because to my mind, “I have to breathe, therefore everything must stop.” No, it doesn’t. I can still keep the time while drawing in the next breath.
Cheers from Michigan, Bob. Thank you for all that you do.
Exactly! We all do that by default. You'll find it helpful in so many ways once you switch to keeping your fingers moving as you breath. I also discuss this in the video I just posted: th-cam.com/video/HfDgE0Dgucg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=C_nRU1hWjrujs0kq
I am grateful you take the time to do these videos. This is gold for the evolving musician.
Bob, it brings me great joy to see you at home with your family. Watching many of your vlogs I often feel sad that you worry too much about anonymous viewers like me while you miss out on spending time with your family which is so much more important as long as the kids are still small and really need you. Don't get me wrong, I am tremendously thankful for all the things you do. You are an amazing artist as well as teacher you deserve all the success I can imagine.
I would recommend you dig a little deeper in his tour vlogs! Homesickness is usually one of the main takeaways from them! I admire Bob, he is my main example and model for how I'd like to manage my family, love and professional life. Cheers to you Bob! Keep on keepin' on
Hell yes, that's really motivating since you seem to really embody this way of living life. I think more and more about practicing music as a way of meditating.
“13 times or 100” is a great title of your next song or album
New t-shirt practice conundrum!
Bob, I am a 1971 graduate of Berklee, a composition major and saxophone player. I just want you to know how we all appreciate the time and professionalism you exhibit on every video. You inspire all of us to be better. I also really enjoy the little bits of your Family. I know how much work it is to create these videos, they are all gems. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you, Gary 🙏
Bob, you don’t know how much it means to get your guidance - both in the shed about what and how you practice, but also just in everyday-life. As a young aspiring musician it’s just nice to see that it’s possible to live life both as a musician and as a family man.
🙏🏻
I first heard Mark Turner practicing like this years ago... It was so exciting to me that I could practice so quietly without disturbing other people... Although I do enjoy a good old toot! 😂
As a jazz flute player. I totally agree with quiet practice and what it does to embouchure. I noticed years ago that quiet practice helped me learn where and how to focus the air and get every note clear and super quite. And that when I put some air behind it for the full tone practice, that I have greater control of the sound. I am learning the alto and find this practice equally as useful. Thanks for doing these videos! You put into humanism what it means to be a pro player, dad and aspiring musician.
I'm glad you said that about the 4ths and 5ths. I showed my younger cousin that the "circle" of fifths could be interchanged with the "cycle" of fourths. Her band teacher scolded her! lol! Preach!
☺️
Seeing you shed like this is really inspiring. You seem relaxed and at peace as you gently refine and re-refine. The camera angle is also great because I get to see your throat and jaw making subtle shifts on some of these intervals. Very cool, Bob. Thanks for sharing.
Man, I'm not a sax (or even a wind-instrument) player, and I've literally rewatched every one of Bob's Vlogs over the last week for motivation. Thanks for doing these!
The fact that you put this content out for free is amazing. THANK YOU!
Made my day to see another Vlog. Thank you for sharing with us in a way that makes sense no matter what instrument we play. Back on the VI, gear nerds notice.
This is such a great approach! 🙌🏽 and love getting centered before I even start my practice: I do a pattern chromatically.
Bob, so appreciate your videos!! it means a great deal to be able to see your videos and learn from such a master! 🙌🏽🙏🏽👏🏽
I really admire how you can parent and practice at the same time. Great video, Bob. Hope the family is well!
I’ve done some transcription from you. And I love this kind of videos. It help me keep on track of what I should do and how to do it. Thanks for this. You have been an inspiration for me!
Me too!
Awesome! I'm just about to start practicing, so I'll try doing my scales at a consistent volume today! Thanks for the advice!
I listen now so differently. Hear the pads closing, when the fingers are so clean and gently percussive, every now and then when the pads don't hit at the same time. All of the little things that advanced players do so very cleanly
Hi Sir! Greetings from Philippines! I always watch your videos and it helps me a lot!
So glad to hear it, Omar.
hi Bob, hello from France, suddenly I take your example and I work the sound in my garden ... it's very relaxing, thank you for your videos,
Moris
Thank you for this sir! As someone looking to reinvent their approach to practicing, this has been extremely helpful!
Great video Bob, I like your ideas on timing and playing rhythmically. Good to see you like this, you seem really relaxed and enjoying your practice and your son playing in the garden. Thx 🙏🏻
Love these vids as always! Just so real, genuine and warm. Thanks Bob!
Good lesson, sir. I plan on practicing these principles for guitar playing, cause they're very useful. Thank you very much!
You're welcome, Belac.
genial todo lo que dices y enseñas en este video Bob. super util y generoso y humilde es compartir tu forma de encarar un par de ejercicios que no son tan tenidos en cuenta o no son muy comun de ver en saxofonistas de tu talla!!!!
gracias!
Hi Bob,
I opened my Facebook this morning, first thing I see is a picture of us having a hug outside Cadogan hall in London two years ago today! The next thing was I opened a link to TH-cam and here was this vid. Very timely and useful. I started playing again only a couple of weeks ago. Been nearly two years off, so as soon as lockdown ends and I’m earning again, I’ll be back to the studio. Yay!
For anyone who hasn’t heard it yet, Bobs new album Runway is a must have!
Thank you Bob! This video made so much sense on how to get many valuable pearls from practicing this way!
Amazing ... Only Bob can transmit a way of mastering an instrument, meditation, being a parent, relaxation and maybe a life philosophy in a single video. You are my inspiration already far beyond music, many thanks for all these priceless things you share with us, Bob. The magic of sharing! Almost forgot that one. 🙂
Very helpful tip . Thank you for all of your tips/insight
Great stuff Bob. During practice sessions, I occasionally find myself blowing a simple riff or pattern and then start playing them in different keys. I find it to be a big help with my ear development and I enjoy the challenge. A great way to warm up. Will try the soft playing approach. Thanks for the great video. Good to see you and your family are healthy. Take care.
Jacque
Thank you for making these videos. Your ideas are obviously well thought out, and the videos should be discovered be many more. Not just saxophonists. Bravo!
This feels like an amazing "Pt. 2" to Ep. 89 (same tee, too!). I went to search the vlog where Bob first talked about the sax reflector shield so I could finally buy it and there it was :)
Like that you keep the phrase going while taking a breath. Listening to the percussive (clean) sound of the keys...big time plus. Sometimes practice is just logging time with the horn in my mouth to keep my chop. (No plural) Thanks for always giving us ideas to meditate with.
Just want to say I appreciate your CLEAN videos. I can share your content with my students and reference you without worrying about a R rating. Thank you!
So so good, thanks so much!!
Very helpful stuff Bob makes me want to practice and improve every time I see a vlog!
Me too!
Excellent insight, tips etc. Thanks for sharing !
you know its a good day when we get another Bob video
I love the percussive sounds of my sax and flute. So cool you brought that up. And now, not only living in an apt, but with my husband working from home, i am practicing a variety of soft---- and loud. =D
This is a great video. So useful in many ways and something I'll be trying tomorrow. Also, I like the fact that you are willing to show a practice where not everything is perfect; that means a lot to developing sax players like me.
I agree!
What a beautiful video! You are a monk
I enjoyed that, thank you!
I guess this is a great way to start the day!
lol I have to practice the same way with my little one. Good to see I'm not alone. haha. Love the new record! can't wait until the next one.
Absolutely interesting , awesome , beauuuuuuutifuuul lesson ....yeesss
HI, greeting from Ghana, west africa. i love your work a lot.. i use lots of sax samples in my production work.i've used yours couples of times too. wish you could release more sax sample packs for us producers to use.thanks and keep up the good work..love from Ghana
Nice interaction with your son. 🙂It is interesting how your child tries to involve you through the green toy. it may be useful to consider reassembling the toy together step by step when ha asked. the game is also a time to learn. thanks for your precious exercises, I play sax for passion and I started the Jazz program with my teacher in this period. Greetings from Italy
Quiet practice is also advised for trumpet players, for example by Herbert Clarke whose books are one of the cornerstones of trumpet pedagogy.
9:07 ............RUNWAY............. Get it.
Hi Bob, very good ideas, I live in Berlin and all my regular practicing places have been closed until yesterday, May 25th. Since I can not practice at home (I live in an apartment with my family), I have been practicing both clarinet and tenor sax at home practically without sound, just a whisper, for two months. When I was finally able to practice, my embouchure was equally strong as before the break, I had learned new music to a certain degree and my technical control was better. To be fair, I found my clarinet sound to be a bit less centered than before, but I do not think this will be hard to reverse. All in all, I am very glad I did it. Funny you should post exactly this video today, good timing. Other than that, I am a big fun. I could not be there last time you played at the ZIG ZAG in Berlin, but I will definitely try to make it next time. Take care, keep up the great work!
When my kids were telling me something at that age, "yup, sure, huhu, ok..."
Anyway, I played my ii-V7-I pattern against what you were playing. worked pretty well.
Oh man is he still playing with Bakugan's? Love it
Great video! Are you going to be doing a video going over your horn’s overhaul?
Wow! Thanks Bob!
At 17:15 it is interesting to see the way you use the bis key. As a new saxophone player coming from bass/guitar I like this “rolling the finger” technique I see you using and I’ve been wondering if it’s a propos to use it instead of using side Bb, but more specifically for B to Bb or Bb to B.
One of the coolest thing about this video is being able to observe a very relaxed technique.
something very reassuring about a guy at this level playing such simple patterns
Thank you Bob for all these vlogs. I am a guitarist for many years now and have much love for playing saxophone (i played clarinet and a little of alto in marching band). I hesitated on changing my major instrument to tenor sax soon for my music degree in the upcoming year (intake has been postponed due to pandemic) and Ive been watching all of your videos and you’ve made me decide to go on with this path. Thank you.
However, I dont own a tenor sax yet (have a cheap soprano), do you have some advices to prepare myself to start?
I was feeling really sad today, also had a really busy week with my own new projects, haven't had almost any chance for relaxing (not allowing me to, like I seriously want this done good)
Also I haven't picked up the trumpet in a week, but today I decided to take lunch and rest my mind for a moment.
Now I gotta go practice.
Thanks Bob
Hey, i still in a partial lockdown, in my apartment, so i sat with my axe, and did some practicing with Bob :) Bob, - you are cool dude! Guys - you are cool too :)
Another excellent video! That said, at first glance I thought you were going to talk about a practicing app - lol. Incidentally I recently got this app called iPracticePro on iOS which I’m really enjoying. Specially useful for the type of practicing you described here.
Great video! I liked how the click of your pads just kept going in time with the metronome, even if you were taking a breath.
Thanks, Jaden. There’s a video in the Virtual Studio about that. Search “keep fingers moving”
Thanks Bob! Will do.
What if you have the opposite issue? I love the variety of colors, subtleties, and dynamics of the saxophone. I also spend a lot of time practicing in an apartment, never getting to play really loud. Then you play a gig or a session and everyone else is amped up: bass, electric keys, drums, and you have to blow your brains out just to be heard and all that quiet technique is tossed out the window.
I have the same issue. I've been thinking about using outdoor space like under a bridge or by the river to really spread sound loud
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing this idea, really love watching your videos. A question, you probably covered that in one of the old videos, how do you practice long tones? Can you point me to an old video or maybe record a new quick one with your current long tones routine and advices? Thanks man, keep the videos coming and stay safe! 😉
Good Stuff!
Excellent. There’s a great George Garzone masterclass video on TH-cam where he speaks of the benefits of soft practicing. Starting without articulation
Tried the exercise on the porch a bit. Struggled a bit staying with the metronome on 2 and 4 at 30. Helped when I realized the same n=ote is always on the click.
Your pattern reminds me of Monk's "Misterioso".
Totally!
I've found trying to play with the metronome on 2 & 4 very frustrating for a while.. After hearing the groove on this video I set the metronome to 30 and off I went playing arpeggios around the circle.. I'm locked in with the metronome on 3, hardly think about it when I start. Thanks Bob!
Bam! Awesome, Gerry.
it took me 3 months to realize that the ppp in the title meant super quiet
In a previous video, you used the Ploeger Sound Mirror. In this video, looks like you are using the Jazzlab Sound Deflector? I use the Ploeger myself, I think it really helps you hear yourself, especially if you are outside.
Both are great but my Ploeger broke. The jazz lab one is sturdier.
Really helpful
Indeed!
Anyone else 100% sure that if you started that 6th pattern you'd change it over to Monk's Misterioso by the time you got to D?
[Plus: love the Bakugan interlude.]
hello bob, i just wanna know, why you choose tenor as your horn? why not alto or sopran?
Hi Bob! Few practice questions:- do you ever practice mouthpiece exercices? I'm talking specifically about playing a mote with just the mouthpiece, using your throat and your embouchure to bend it a half-step (or more) bellow, and coming back to the original sound. Works also with mouthpiece+neck and finally the whole horn (Steve Lacy calls it the "Ain't she sweet"). Any thoughts?
- We usually see you practicing tunes at 60 bpm, with metronome on the 2 and 4. Do you ever try other tempos? Other placement of the metronome?
Just some questions that popped in my mind as I spent a bit of the quarantine rewatching your awesome content. Thanks a lot, keep doing what you do!!
Love your videos!
I'm a tenor beginner and I notice that when I try to play quietly, I basically use my lips to apply more and more pressure on the reed to reduce the sound. That causes my embouchure to get really tired and cramp up.
I assume I'm doing it wrong? What methods do you use to play quietly?
Woooooo
Bob - just getting back into playing tenor after a break of about 5/6 years. Played alto/tenor for around 7 years before I took a break to study guitar at university... Goals I should strive for in the coming months?
Fourths! Yes!
Dope video as always Bob.
Is it just me, or does the ''interval pattern'' sorta sound like... James Bond? 00Saxophone?
I just realised that playing fast repetitive slaps in the James bond theme song would be PERFECT for this silent percussion like playing when listening to the slaps. it would be a total challenge to get up to speed without making mistakes.
Badass
What kind of 'sound deflector' are you using?
Way to go with the bakugan btw
quietly softly VEry Cool thank you !!
Oh man, opening/closing a Bakugan gave me flashbacks.
Corona also means: More time with your family!
I came for learning some patterns... I learnt how to become a good father meanwhile working on my dreams ...
6:27 is so important
How tall are you? I can never tell, but i'm guessing 6'3"
It´s a kind of meditation
Facundo Moreno Practice should always start as a meditation. Add thoughts as you go; here you would start with Root, then add major , then move bottom note (no longer thinking purely of the root), up a 1/2 step. The whole thing then becomes a mini-frame for variations,
to anyone who might answer; could we do this exercise for memorizing with ease all the scales? Because I feel like it would be better to play them without hesitating than having to think before you play (does that make sense?)
absolutely! check out my lesson on this th-cam.com/video/-Izh7hpTjAc/w-d-xo.html
Knowing Bob's track record with delaying the release of albums for a few months.. something must be cooking right Bob? (Yeah I know Runway came out in April :))
Taking a breath while continuing on with the pattern fingering... as a 65 yo beginning alto player, i was like ...oh?!!
I think my goal for quarantine is to get the focus to be able to practice like this lol
been doing the meditation think a lot. this practice session seems really meditational
They took your ep168 down.
I can't play that soft. I've tried but it doesn't work
Misterioso vibes lol
Sounds like you had your pads replaced and saxophone serviced Bob, at least since you met Jay Metcalf before the pandemic. Ahahah
I helps to see how a professional practices.