In this section of the website, I will post tips, exercises, suggestions, and many other things
that will help out students. To find out more information, please click on the icons below.
One tip for all instrumentalists is to practice. It is very important to keep a steady practice schedule in
order to improve your abilities as well as keeping you embouchure in shape. The amount of time that you
spend practicing depends on how long you have been playing your instrument:
Beginning (first year students): 30-60 minutes/ day
Intermediate (second & third year students): 60-90 minutes/ day
Advanced (more than three years): 90-120+ minutes/ day
The material that you cover at your home practice sessions should also be varied. If you divide your time,
you will be able to cover a lot of material. My suggestion is to spend 5-10 minutes on a long tone warm up
exercise (could be based on a Major scale). Next, you should spend time on technical exercises. It is
helpful to use a metronome to accompany you with these exercises. Scales should be covered next. I will
post a scale exercise in the saxophone section of the website soon. Finally, you should work on songs that
you would enjoy playing. This could be anything like movie themes, jazz, classical, blues, pop...anything
that you enjoy playing.
I know this seems like a lot to work on and you may not have enough time to squeeze in two hours of
practicing. If you can't put in the time that is listed above, then break down your practice sessions and
work on technical exercises and scales one day, and songs another. The important thing is to practice
every day. A daily practice routine would help as well, like practicing at the same time every day.
I will be updating this section regularly with new tips for each instrument, so keep checking back!
