How to practise sax properly

A Christmas message and a gentle reflection on your saxophone journey

As the year draws to a close and we pause for a moment between the busyness of Christmas and the promise of a new year, it is the perfect time to take stock of where you are on your saxophone journey. January often feels like a clean page, a moment to breathe, reflect and think about what you would love to achieve with your playing in the months ahead. But I find that this quiet reflection starts beautifully right now, during the festive season, when everything slows down just enough for us to hear ourselves think.

The Saxophone Self Assessment Guide is designed to help you do exactly that. It invites you to look at the foundations of your playing, such as your major scales, your Dorian minors and simple melodic fluency. It encourages you to consider where you are with improvisation, reading, understanding chord charts and even how you feel about performing with others. These small questions can open up enormous clarity and direction for the year ahead.

Sax Assessment Guide
This time of year naturally brings gratitude and perspective, and I want to say something that I feel very deeply. It is a genuine honour to be part of your musical journey. Whether you watch my YouTube videos, download the free resources on Sax Made Simple, join as a member, learn with me one to one or simply pop in now and again for a bit of inspiration, I am truly grateful. Being invited into your practice, your progress and your goals is something I never take for granted. It means a great deal to me.

So as Christmas arrives, I encourage you to sit for a moment with your saxophone journey and ask yourself a few simple questions. What would you love your playing to feel like in six months? Which one or two habits could make your practice feel lighter and more enjoyable? Where would you like more confidence or clarity? And most importantly, what would make playing the saxophone feel even more joyful for you?

Remember that you do not have to walk this path alone. I am here to guide you, to support you, to help you build the strength in your foundations and to give you practical tools that move you forward in a steady and enjoyable way. As we step into the new year together, I will be checking in with everyone to understand how I can best support your growth and help you become the saxophone player you want to be.

Wishing you a warm and peaceful Christmas filled with music, rest and inspiration. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of your world. It truly is an honour, and I am excited for everything we will explore together in the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,

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