Ned Flanders: “Hi-Diddly-Ho-Ho-Homer! Was that Lisa practising last night? Golly gee whilikers, it sounded amazing!” Homer Simpson: “Saxamaphone— saxamaphone— that’s all I hear these days. And now Lisa wants to attend the NASA 2023 Biennial Conference.” NF: “Well, what’s wrong with that, neighbour? A little fellowship is good for the soul.” HS: “If that’s how […]
For Instructors
Higher Ground
Lusting for new tips that make playing the saxophone easier? I am. I always am! Whose teaching day isn’t improved with a couple of new tricks to test out on your students? Basic Concepts and Strategies for the Developing Saxophonist by Frank Bongiorno, published in 2022, is available in both paperback (in the $30 USD […]
Chameleon
Why are classical and jazz musicians so different from one another? I know what you’re thinking: Uptight classical musicians are congenitally unable to swear or cuss. So true! But there’s something else. Let’s call it division of labour. Having been around a bit longer, the classical tradition has established some basic tenets, one being that […]
Your Song
Teacher: “OK, let’s get Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists on the Saxophone by Shelley Jagow up on the stand.” Student: “The blue one with the sax on the cover?” Affirmative Teacher: “That’s the one. You picked three tunes for today, correct?” Sweet Student: “Yes. Can we start with Morris Dance?” Shocked Teacher: “Absolutely not! Look […]
You’ve Got A Friend
Former Teacher takes a sip of coffee: “So you’re teaching saxophone lessons.” Former Student grins: “100%” Quizzical Teacher asks: “I wonder, do you know exactly when the word yes was changed to 100%?” Puzzled Student: “Whaaa?” Bemused Teacher: “Forget it. Or, um, no worries.” Teacher shifts position: “Now, how many degrees have you acquired?” Serious […]
What Games Shall We Play Today?
Saxophone instruction is not light work. One has to believe and believe BIG. Helping someone discover just how much mettle they possess is a feeling that I can only describe as tout à fait incroyable. I recently received a little note: “…Thank you for turning saxophone into a hobby instead of a chore for me […]