Tag: Saxophone Warmups

This month’s saxophone warmup is one that I have used since I first transcribed it several years ago. It is an alto saxophone solo played by George Young on the tune Passing Pastels in 1962 from his record, “Gold and Satin.” I had included this solo in the latest version of my woodwind doubling book Continue reading →

This month’s warmup exercise was inspired by a YouTube clip of a clinic given by the great jazz saxophonist, Ernie Watts, at the 2012 JEN Conference. Ernie demonstrated a simple major triad exercise that he uses to help coordinate his finger technique at the beginning of his practice sessions. While it looks rather straight-forward and Continue reading →

The saxophone warmup for March encompass several exercises that I learned from my studies with Joe Allard. Overtones/Undertones are important fundamentals for all saxophonists to master regardless of the style of music one performs. They help to improve the ability to connect what one hears in the inner ear to the larynx and ultimately to Continue reading →

This month’s warmup for the saxophone is derived from my studies with the great jazz alto saxophonist, Charles McPherson. (www.CharlesMcPherson.com) It is a great way to start the day because you are forced to play up and down the entire length of the horn while at the same time developing technical, rhythmical, and improvisational skills. Continue reading →

I have devised this warmup to work on multiple aspects of playing including activating the use of one’s inner ear and larynx, finding the optimum placement for creating the embouchure, and determining the strength and flexibility of the reed. It is applicable to any saxophone. This exercise should be played in its entirety, very slowly, Continue reading →