Halfway through the writing of this post, I learned that Jean-Marie Londeix had passed away at the age of ninety-two. I was deep into two resources which I regard as saxophone encyclopedias; trustworthy tomes that I find myself drawn back to again and again. The first is Londeix’s 2003 version of A Comprehensive Guide to […]
For Instructors
With A Little Help From My Friends
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 […]
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 […]