Everything Saxophone Podcast

What does it really take to become a versatile, fearless saxophonist in today's music scene?   In Episode 265 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna sits down with Chris Ward, also known as The Saxophone Warrior, for a wide-ranging conversation about musicianship, discipline, creativity, and pushing beyond traditional boundaries.   Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below: 00:00 - Musical background 09:23 - What made him pursue music school 12:20 - How to give constructive feedback 13:31 - Responsibilities of a good student 15:15 - Chris' teaching practice 18:15 - Tips for transcribing 21:49 - What made him go to New York 26:10 - Tips for getting wedding band gigs 28:41 - Being prepared for different gig scenarios 34:01 - Studying with Lenny Pickett  36:11 - Chris' routine for reeds 37:05 - Other great tips he learned from Lenny 43:09 - Getting into pedals and effects 51:46 - Multiphonics 01:01:30 - Gauge a gig before getting experimental 01:10:30 - How he came up with the name "Saxophone Warrior" 01:14:03 - Future plans/projects 01:19:08 - Sharing experiences at this year's NAMM   ➡️ Explore more about Chris Ward—his music, background, and socials-all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophone-warrior-chris-ward-ep-265 Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

What really makes a saxophone sound: the player, the lacquer… or even the stones?   In Episode 264 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down live at the NAMM Show 2026 with Dr. Randal Clark to talk about the Award-Winning Black Sapphire Cannonball Saxophone and the exciting new releases from Cannonball Instruments.   ⬇️ Jump to your favorite moments using the time markers below: 00:00 Introductions 00:36 The challenge of creating a beautiful blue finish 01:21 The new 30th Anniversary Black Sapphire Cannonball Sax 02:15 How does lacquer affect the sound 03:57 How the necks for The Big Bell Stone series are unique 05:39 Paul Taylor cameo 03:24 The new Midnight Alto Sax and the effects from the powder in the lacquer 07:05 The difference between the matte black finish on the Raven vs the finish on the Midnight 08:11 The new Black Ruby alto sax 08:56 The importance of the Cannonball Instruments looking beautiful 09:17 The Cannonball Instruments stones and the importance of the density 10:18 The effect the ligature has on your sound Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Trevor James Saxophones unveils exciting new models at the NAMM Show 2026!   In this episode, Donna sits down with Sandro Massullo to explore the brand-new Soprano EVO Intermediate Saxophone, the upcoming Pro Model prototype, and the impressive Low A Intermediate EVO Baritone Sax.   Donna shares what she personally loves about the Trevor James plus we also take a closer look at the thoughtfully designed bari sax case! 00:00 Introductions 00:47 The new Soprano EVO Intermediate Saxophone 01:56 The new Pro Model Saxophone - prototype 02:01 What Donna loves about the Trevor James saxes 02:39 The new Bari Sax Low A Intermediate EVO Model 03:37 How the Trevor James Bari Sax has stability on the keys 04:11 The Trevor James Bari Sax case 05:12 Where you can find the Trevor James saxophones Explore more about Trevor James Saxophones and their socials-all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/the-new-trevor-james-soprano-and-baritone-saxophones-sandro-massullo-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-263 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Our third episode recorded live at NAMM Show 2026 is here, and this one dives deep into mouthpiece design with Jody Espina of JodyJazz!   In Episode 262, Jody introduces the new Quasar Alto Sax Mouthpiece, demos it in real time, and explains the thinking behind its sound, response, and altissimo-friendly design. You'll also hear a standout demo from Baron Raymonde , plus one of your Patreon questions answered on the show.   ➡️ Here's the timestamp of what we've talked about:  00:09 Jody warming up on the new Quasar mouthpiece 00:24 Introductions00:45 Jody demoing the new mouthpiece using various dynamics 01:01 Introducing the new Quasar alto sax mouthpiece 01:22 What inspired Jody to create this new mouthpiece 01:42 Considerations for making the altissimo easier 02:11 What makes the Quasar very unique 02:44 How to get more 'bottom' in the sound in the design 03:21 Saxophonist Baron Raymonde - background 03:34 Which ensembles/situations are best for the Quasar mouthpiece 04:29 What Baron loves about the Quasar 04:54 Baron demoing the mouthpiece (notice Donna and Jody's reaction 😳) 05:18 What Baron loves about the new Quasar 05:59 Debunking an altissimo register myth 06:55 A question from a Patreon subscriber 07:57 Difference between the Quasar and the SuperJet Explore more about Jody Jazz Mouthpieces all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/the-new-quasar-alto-sax-mouthpiece-from-jody-jazz-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-262 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows  ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Live from NAMM Show 2026: Donna sat down with Matt Ambrose, Chief Machinist and CAD Designer at Theo Wanne Saxophone Mouthpieces, to talk about the new partnership with JJ Babbitt and what it means for the future of some of the most iconic saxophone mouthpieces ever made.   Donna and Matt talked about the classic Otto Link models, hard rubber vs. metal mouthpieces, modern production techniques, and Theo Wanne's continued evolution, including the Essentials Collection!   👇 Here's what we get into: 00:09 Introductions  00:41 The Big Reveal 01:26 How the partnership started 02:25 The Metal Otto Link - The NY 03:34 Super Tone Master 04:15 Double Ring Florida 04:45 The Metal LA 05:06 The Link tenor sax line in metal and hard rubber 05:18 More on the collaboration story 06:13 Hard Rubber NY 06:49 LA Hard Rubber 07:08 The nature of molding hard rubber mouthpieces 07:48 The new manufacturing process 09:05 Patreon subscriber question and Theo's process 10:42 Always innovating  11:23 Philosophy of working with JJ Babbitt 12:17 The reverence Theo pays to legendary mouthpieces  16:07 2025 Essentials Mouthpieces from Theo Wanne   👉 Explore more about Theo Wanne and their socials-all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/matt-ambrose-of-theo-wanne-saxophone-mouthpieces-the-new-partnership-with-jj-babbitt-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-261 ⭐️ Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows  ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. & HERE

Recorded at the 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, Donna sits down with saxophonist and educator Jeremiah True at the P. Mauriat booth to talk about what's new for sax players in 2026. In this episode, Jeremiah shares insight into: 00:00 Introductions 00:48 Introducing the Black Lacquer Alto and Tenor Saxes 03:15 An exciting new collaboration with Boston Sax Shop 05:50 Boston Sax Shop Accessories Kit 06:23 P. Mauriat Touring Cases 08:23 the Low Bb Bari, PMB-302UL Model 08:50 Why Jeremiah prefers the Low Bb Bari for the music he performs 09:59 How the Low A changes the fundamental overtones 13:08 Upcoming performances at their booth 14:14 Patreon subscriber question 16:09 Bonus tip about the dark lacquer saxes Explore more about P. Mauriat and their saxophones all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/p-mauriats-new-saxophones-for-2026-live-at-the-namm-show-with-jeremiah-true-ep-260 __________________________________________________________________ Become a Patron today! ⭐️  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows  ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 LINK HERE

Donna is joined by Wesley Smith, a saxophonist, composer, and educator, for an intimate, in-depth discussion you won't hear anywhere else. Together, they slow things down, listen deeply, and unpack the thinking behind the music.   👉 Inside, you'll hear: 00:00 Introduction 08:06 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 1 10:53 Tip from a Kenny Garrett Masterclass that impacted Wes' future compositions 12:04 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 2 14:27 A tip from Walt Weiskopf to boost your saxophone articulation 15:09 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 3 19:20 Performance tip for communicating with the audience 20:51 A community perspective on stage 22:58 Listen and reflect to "Baby Steps" 29:27 Juggling dreams and personal life 32:47 Listen and reflect to "Sunrise" 37:06 When did he start writing the album 38:50 Listen and reflect to "Ventura Penthouse" 43:48 The power of instrumental music and language 48:12 Being part of "Whiplash" the movie 50:11 His experience with other big artists 👉 Explore more about Wes Smith, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-wes-smith-how-the-power-of-community-skyrocketed-his-music-career-ep-259 __________________________________________________________________ Become a Patron today! ⭐️  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows  ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 LINK HERE

Ep 258 of Everything Saxophone features saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader Augie Bello in conversation with Donna Schwartz. This episode focuses on musicianship, discipline, and continuous growth as a saxophonist.   Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Augie Bello: 00:00 How Donna and Augie met and became close 08:25 People that influenced him to be better at playing 12:30 Turning point where he realize that music was his calling 14:43 Getting superstars for his Big Band project 17:04 The danger of slacking off 21:48 How he got so good with reading music 27:09 Why analyze transcriptions 30:21 Showing what's possible 38:32 The influence of Michael Brecker on Augie's playing 42:14 Lenny Pickett's influence 56:15 How he got close to Dave Koz and the support he gave Augie 01:08:23 Listen and reflect to Augie's solo on "Stop Drop and Roll"  01:16:56 Listen and reflect to "Stop Drop and Roll" (full audio) 01:24:23 Listen and reflect to "Window to You" 01:28:29 How he got into singing 01:30:47 Desire for growth never changes 01:42:12 Listen and reflect to "Behind Those Eyes" part 1 01:46:51 Listen and reflect to "Behind Those Eyes" part 2 01:50:55 Promotional plans for his latest album 01:53:28 Future plans 01:55:08 His experience touring with Teddy Swims 01:58:50 His socials and where you can catch him playing   Explore more about Augie Bello; his music, background, and socials, all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-augie-bello-how-playing-with-joy-leads-to-success-ep-258  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows  ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content  ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ⬇️  https://donnaschwartzmusic.lpages.co/hto-fb-ads-lp-2025/?el=augie&htrafficsource=libsyn

Our final new episode of the year! 🥳   In this inspiring year-end conversation, Donna sits down with saxophonist Sergeant Seth Ebersole, baritone saxophonist with the Airmen of Note, to talk about mindset, practice, creativity, and the poetic influences behind his music, including his upcoming piece "Dear Emily."   ⬇️ Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below: 00:00 Introduction 03:02 Earliest mentor/s 08:01 Why musical theatre is a big influence on him 11:36 Emily Dickinson's poetry in relation to his music 15:05 Inspiration behind his upcoming song 'Dear Emily' 26:19 Process for roadmaps for other musicians 30:13 Listen and reflect to 'The Very Nearest Room' 43:08 Listen and reflect to 'Any Happy Flower' 50:31 The best way to get through complicated harmony 54:58 The story behind his Instagram handle 58:58 What practicing is supposed to be 01:01:30 How to handle practicing in front of others 01:13:09 His audition experience 01:21:38 The right head space for musicians 🔎Explore more about Seth Ebersole, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-seth-ebersole-a-masterclass-in-mindset-for-all-musicians-ep-257 ⭐️ Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content v Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

In Episode 256 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with the brilliantly innovative Andrew Hadro, whose approach to sound, texture, and baritone sax will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.   Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Andrew Hadro:    00:00 Inspiration behind his new album 'Arch Music' 08:44 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 1 12:17 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 2 14:45 Why Andrew disabled one key on his saxophone  17:58 What he did because he was bored with long tones 19:07 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 3 21:19 Free improvisation in a group setting 25:11 Listen and reflect to _______ 31:18 His setup for recording 37:41 Why Andrew love his 100 year old Conn sax 41:42 Listen and reflect to _______ 42:58 How to do multiphonics 48:01 Listen and reflect to _______ 51:28 His musical background 01:00:14 Who fixes his horns 01:04:55 How he started the Jazz Bari sax site 01:17:09 Upcoming and future projects   Explore more about Andrew Hadro, his music, background, and socials, all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/baritone-saxophonist-andrew-hadro-sculpting-the-sound-ep-256 Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes: hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! 💡 Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! 💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence Feel stuck playing the same licks?  What if you could stop overthinking, ditch the sheet music, and take confident, expressive solos – anywhere, anytime?   The free masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence, has helped thousands of sax players break out of the rut and start playing with freedom. It's not about memorizing more theory. It's about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head. If you've ever felt glued to the page… avoided solos because you didn't feel ready… or wondered why you still don't "get" chord changes, this might be your turning point.    Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

This week, Donna sits down with Paul Maslin, founder of PM Woodwind Repair and one of the most trusted names in the saxophone world. Paul's shop has been a go-to spot for pros and enthusiasts alike for over 30 years, and in this episode, he shares how he built a community around quality, craftsmanship, and love for the instrument.   ⬇️ You'll hear: 00:00 How he got into music and schools he went to 05:31 The reason behind PM Woodwinds's success 08:47 Paul's repair mentors 10:25 Time it takes to do repairs 14:09 How Selmer makes their bells 17:34 Why the neck is so important 20:03 Always have a backup neck  22:33 Simple repairs and how to fix the octave key  26:36 What he means by a bent or pulled-downed neck 31:24 You're the one that makes the sound 32:42 Another simple adjustment every sax player can do 35:43 The real problem is halfway between… 39:21 Are all cheap horns bad? 42:20 Best brand for entry level saxophones 45:06 What to look for when buying brand new horns 46:23 Pro-level brands he carry 47:16 What to consider or check when buying used horns 50:24 Lacquer vs. no lacquer 52:33 Offerings in his shop 56:46 - Horn differences 58:15 - Selmer Supreme - black limited edition horn 01:03:08 - Sad reality of good shops going out of business 01:05:15 - The difficulty of looking for repair people   Explore more about Paul Maslin and PM Woodwind Repair; their background and socials, all in one place ➡️ https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-how-pm-woodwinds-creates-a-saxophone-community-ep-255 Become a Patron today! 🎷 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes: hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! 💡 Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! 💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence Feel stuck playing the same licks? What if you could stop overthinking, ditch the sheet music, and take confident, expressive solos - anywhere, anytime?   The free masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence, has helped thousands of sax players break out of the rut and start playing with freedom.   It's not about memorizing more theory. It's about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head. If you've ever felt glued to the page… avoided solos because you didn't feel ready… or wondered why you still don't "get" chord changes, this might be your turning point.   Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

Meet The Moanin' Frogs, a dynamic saxophone sextet blending classical, jazz, ragtime, and pop with unmatched energy and creativity.   In this episode, they share their journey, the story behind their name, their new album One Giant Leap, and what makes chamber music so fun and expressive.   Below is a detailed timestamp to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with The Moanin' Frogs. ⬇️   00:00 Member's introduction 07:52 Lucas' Bass Sax dissertation in British Columbia 11:19 Moanin' Frogs' promotional video 16:44 Where their name came from 23:07 Their setup during the pandemic 25:03 The new album, One Giant Leap, and its concept behind it 29:02 Listen and reflect on 'Melancholy Blues' 30:57 Advice for timing: attacks and releases 33:35 How it worked out for them after being locked down for some time 38:03 When you're too serious, the music suffers 42:39 Everyone's role in the group 45:42 What it takes to be part of their group 49:51 Their early years 52:45 Listen and reflect on Johnny B. Good' 55:13 How Jeff Siegfried does guttural flutter tonguing  01:01:13 How does everything work for them despite being far from one another 01:07:27 Plans for summer camp 01:13:24 Future projects 01:16:31 Listen and reflect on 'Slava!' 01:21:22 Tips for learning circular breathing Tune in and discover why The Moanin' Frogs are leaping beyond boundaries in the saxophone world ➡️ https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophone-sextet-the-moanin-frogs-making-saxophone-chamber-music-fun-and-unique-ep-254 Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes: hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! 💡 Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! Today's podcast is brought to you by our friends at GigSalad. Looking to book more gigs and grow your audience? Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, GigSalad makes it easy to connect with event planners across the U.S. and Canada for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more. With GigSalad's strong Google presence, you get better exposure to planners searching for your talent. The full-service platform lets you set availability and preferences to get only the leads you want, and makes messaging, quoting, and booking a breeze. Best of all? Clients pay upfront, so your money is guaranteed every time. So head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile now and take the first step to booking more shows. That's GigSalad.com — and let them know the Everything Saxophone podcast sent you! Click HERE for more info.

From being afraid of improvisation to becoming one of the UK's most innovative saxophonists, Harben Kay takes us through their journey in music — mentors, heroes, practice routines, composing, and the inspiration behind their brand-new album The World I Live In (out Oct 3, 2025). Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Harben Kay ⬇️ 00:00 How they got into music 06:57 What made them afraid of improvising back then 07:57 How being being in a jazz orchestra shaped them  10:01 Their biggest mentor at Guildhall School of Music & Drama 11:22 Best tip from a mentor 15:48 Their heroes when it comes to playing 17:07 Melissa Aldana's rigorous practice routine 18:10 Concept of playing quietly by Dayna Stephens 20:19 Harben's setup during the pandemic 22:00 How and when she got involved with composing 25:07 How to prepare to play duos/trios that don't have a harmony instrument 28:37 How to self manage when you have a new album to promote 30:35 Self managing albums - pros and cons 35:04 Inspiration behind the new album 'The World I Live In" 38:11 How to pace spoken word over songs on live gigs 41:17 Listen and reflect to "The World I Live In" 53:04 Listen and reflect to "Virago" 01:05:33 The exercises they do to get resonance in their sound 01:09:46 Thought process when improvising on standards 01:10:50 Where can people find Kay''s music 01:12:02 Upcoming projects  01:15:06 Equipment and set-up Explore more about Harben Kay—their music, background, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-harben-kay-how-to-self-manage-your-albums-ep-253    📣 Big favor! If you're watching on YouTube on a mobile device, please tap the new Hype button. It helps our videos get seen by more saxophonists and jazz fans; but it only counts in the first week, so please hype it up today!   💡 Today's podcast is brought to you by our friends at GigSalad.   Looking to book more gigs and grow your audience? Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, GigSalad makes it easy to connect with event planners across the U.S. and Canada for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more.   With GigSalad's strong Google presence, you get better exposure to planners searching for your talent. The full-service platform lets you set availability and preferences to get only the leads you want, and makes messaging, quoting, and booking a breeze.   Best of all? Clients pay upfront, so your money is guaranteed every time.   So head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile now and take the first step to booking more shows. That's GigSalad.com — and let them know the Everything Saxophone podcast sent you!   Click HERE for more info. ➡️ Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content  ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE 🤔 Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it — and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 👉 HERE 

In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with Dr. David Cutler, author, musician, educator, and creative entrepreneur, to talk about music, innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset musicians need today.   Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below ⬇️ 00:00 His musical beginnings 05:51 The most important question he asked his professor - and didn't get an answer for… 08:36 The entrepreneur side of music 09:51 Our value in the world 15:53 Two kinds of musicians - which one are you? 19:02 His view on AI and its effects in the music industry 26:48 Selling out your offering  37:37 How public speaking gives you an edge  40:43 How to value what we do as musicians 51:17 Promoting records 59:27 Innovators vs imitators 01:03:48 Creating a demand 01:07:44 Time management tips 01:23:35 How teachers can differentiate themselves   Check out our blog for more information about Dr. David Cutler and his newest book! 👉  https://saxophonepodcast.com/dr-david-culter-amplifying-income-impact-innovation-for-saxophonists-ep-252/ Can we ask a quick favor? Our latest video is live, and YouTube just rolled out a brand-new Hype button 🚀. Tapping it (available only on mobile) helps boost our reach and get the video in front of more people. Here's the catch: it only counts within the first week after the video drops — so if you could hit that Hype button today, we'd be super grateful! 🙌 Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content v Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Today's podcast is brought to you by our friends at GigSalad. Looking to book more gigs and grow your audience? Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, GigSalad makes it easy to connect with event planners across the U.S. and Canada for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more. With GigSalad's strong Google presence, you get better exposure to planners searching for your talent. The full-service platform lets you set availability and preferences to get only the leads you want, and makes messaging, quoting, and booking a breeze.   So head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile now and take the first step to booking more shows. That's GigSalad.com — and let them know the Everything Saxophone podcast sent you! Best of all? Clients pay upfront, so your money is guaranteed every time. ✨ Click HERE for more info.

On this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna welcomes award-winning saxophonist and educator Dr. Woody Witt, fresh off the release of his latest album, Awakening. Here are the timestamps for your convenience; jump to the parts of our conversation with Dr. Woody Witt that interest you most! 00:00 What keeps Woody busy right now 05:27 House concerts and its benefits 10:45 What inspired him in creating his new album 'Awakenings' 17:49 Listen and reflect to 'Echoes of the Past' 22:52 Woody's definition of melodic time 28:41 What makes 'Derecho' complicated 29:59 Listen and reflect to 'Derecho' (part 1) 37:05 Two Ways Woody added tension to his soloing 41:36 Mistake most sax players make (play too much) 46:46 Listen and reflect to 'Derecho' (part 2) 53:48 Why touring with people you already worked with matters 57:38 Listen and reflect to 'Derecho' (part 3) 01:01:41 How to feel comfortable on your instrument 01:11:27 His equipment on this recording   Check out our blog for more information about Dr. Woody Witt and his newest album! 👉 https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-educator-composer-woody-witt-free-jazz-modernized-ep-251   Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content v Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Today's podcast is brought to you by our friends at GigSalad. Looking to book more gigs and grow your audience? Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, GigSalad makes it easy to connect with event planners across the U.S. and Canada for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more. With GigSalad's strong Google presence, you get better exposure to planners searching for your talent. The full-service platform lets you set availability and preferences to get only the leads you want, and makes messaging, quoting, and booking a breeze.   So head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile now and take the first step to booking more shows. That's GigSalad.com — and let them know the Everything Saxophone podcast sent you! Best of all? Clients pay upfront, so your money is guaranteed every time. ✨ Click HERE for more info.

Saxophonist and composer David Bixler joins host Donna Schwartz on the ep. 250 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast to share his musical journey, creative insights, and more! Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with David Bixler: 00:00 How he got into music  06:17 Mentors and inspirations while starting out 12:44 What made him move to New York 16:15 His 'Blue Note' story 18:37 His advice for those who get intimidated on jamming with others 22:55 What you shouldn't do at a jam session 30:07 "If you operate from fear, you'll never grow" 40:28 Influence of Langston Hughes  49:03 Thought process for improvisation 51:09 Playing for a trio 01:02:48 Music as a conversation Explore more about David Bixler—his music, background, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-david-bixler-pursuing-creative-conversations-with-improvisation-ep-250  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!  Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE  Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔 To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it — and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 👉 HERE

In Episode 249 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, hosted by Donna Schwartz, rising star, baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace, joins us for a conversation about storytelling through music, his influences, and his newly released debut album. Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Jimmy Farace: 00:00 - His introduction to music 04:13 - Mark Colby's influence on him 06:33 - Categories of what to practice 10:11 - How he creates his own lines 13:49 - Mentors that stood out in his college days 22:06 - Influences on his writing today 24:47 - What kept him busy during pandemic 33:26 - Learning the business side of music 37:16 - How he got into teaching 44:07 - Showcasing the beauty of the bari sax 49:45 - Creating his album 52:53 - How he was responsible for every note 57:30 - His setup while touring 01:03:23 - Soloing tips for bari sax players 01:10:00 - The cons of using bari saxes with the low A key 01:14:22 - Gear and setup 01:20:45 - Upcoming project Explore more about Jimmy Farace—his music, background, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-jimmy-farace-understanding-the-past-to-maximize-his-growth-ep-249 Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes—hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!   Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! Feel stuck playing the same licks? What if you could stop overthinking, ditch the sheet music, and take confident, expressive solos — anywhere, anytime?   The free masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence, has helped thousands of sax players break out of the rut and start playing with freedom.   It's not about memorizing more theory. It's about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have — so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head.   If you've ever felt glued to the page… avoided solos because you didn't feel ready… or wondered why you still don't "get" chord changes — this might be your turning point.   👉Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

In Episode 248 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with saxophonist, educator, and composer Dr. Randal Clark for an inspiring conversation about music, artistry, and education. Here's a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of this episode with Dr. Randal Clark —perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Musical beginnings 06:21- The 1 cassette influenced his musical path 08:51 - How he made his own records 9:21 - How he learned improvisation on his own 17:36 - The value in transcribing 28:54 - The influences that inspired him to become a music educator 32:56 - The sax as a tool 33:34 - The 1 concept that affects your time management 40:08 - The 1 trait you need to get really good at something 41:24 - Think your age is an issue? Listen to Randal's advice 43:36 - How serendipity played a role in his career 47:15 - Pros & Cons of emulating others 55:04 - The musicians on his new release, Midnight 59:53 - Advice for putting yourself out there 01:02:32 - Randal's songwriting process 01:17:10 - How working with DAW became a roadblock for him 01:21:00 - The funny story how Randal started working for Cannonball Musical Instruments 01:25:37 - His Vintage Reborn saxophone 01:28:05 - How Cannonball is different than most other instrument companies 01:33:21 - Randal's setup 01:43:09 - Where you can find Randal and his CD's online Explore more about Dr. Randal Clark—his music, background, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-dr-randal-clark-taking-action-to-control-your-destiny-ep-248 Become a Patron today! Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes—hear them before anyone else!   Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!    Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today!   Have You Checked Out The Free Masterclass, How To Improvise With Confidence Yet?  If you're a saxophonist who feels bored with your solos because you play the same licks over and over again, or takes hours and hours to write or work out solos because you feel you can't create anything better when you're playing in the moment, or is afraid to raise your hand to take solos during rehearsals because you feel everyone else is better than you... Register NOW for the Free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence In Any Style of Music. In it, you'll discover: ✅ How to sound more pro improvising using a simple 3-step proven system, so that you don't have to always rely on using other people's ideas ✅ How to improvise over any song in any style with 100% confidence even if you are self taught & never studied jazz or don't know a thing about theory ✅ How to make progress with improvisation by practicing more efficiently AND having more fun ✅ and a whole lot more! Thousands of saxophone players have gotten tremendous value from watching this masterclass, so check it out now while it's still available.You'll find the link in the show's description for this episode.  Click this link to Register now while you're thinking about it: https://donnaschwartzmusic.lpages.co/hto-fb-ads-lp-2025/?el=podcast248

In Episode 247 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with internationally renowned saxophonist, composer, and ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard. Here's a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Leaving art school and started learning saxophone at 19 04:09 - When Andy realized his true passion 05:11 - Needing to be ready for a lesson 16:36 - People he met along the way that helped his playing 21:12 - Taking a helicopter view on life to make important life decisions 27:48 - How Andy got the gig playing with Carla Bley 30:02 - Learning the guitar 31:17 - Top tip for airline travel with your saxophone 33:58 - How 'Autograph Sax' started 40:42 - Me or the horn? 44:29 - What his practice routine looks like 47:24 - The beautiful thing about playing the saxophone 51:38 - Where he got his classical technique 55:24 - Recording his own music 59:43 - Being hired to play for George Russell 01:04:25 - George Russell & Living Time Orchestra - The African Game 1989 01:13:43 - Why creating music and enjoying the process is much more important to him 01:17:07 - How he survived during the pandemic Explore more about Andy Sheppard—his music, background, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/   Become a Patron Today! Love what we do? Get even closer to the music by joining us on Patreon! As a Patron, you'll unlock exclusive perks like: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our episodes 🎬 Bonus videos with behind-the-scenes insights 📝 Searchable transcripts for every episode ⏰ Early access to new releases—hear them before the public does! Your support helps keep the podcast alive and thriving—and allows us to continue bringing you top-notch saxophone content. 💡 Join our community for as little as $2/month and be part of something bigger. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/everythingsaxophone 

In this episode we had the incredible honor of hosting Ted Klum himself alongside product manager Michael Howe from Ted Klum Mouthpieces! This episode is pure GOLD! Here's a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you.   00:00 - How Ted Klum started his company 07:30 - Focus Tone Model 09:23 - Mixing (old school style) 20:50 - Great mouthpieces vs good mouthpieces 26:50 - Michael Howe's journey in finding the right mouthpiece 28:43 - How Ted grew musically 31:30 - How to line up the reed properly 34:38 - Ted Klum's specific recipe for tip rails 38:42 - Ted's mouthpiece testing tips - these are Gold 46:12 - What's different and special with their mouthpieces 57:08 - Model played by Michael Howe 01:08:45 - Marbled mouthpieces 01:27:44:08 - Tips on how to choose the right mouthpiece for you 01:29:19 - Ligature recommendation   Explore more about Ted Klum Mouthpieces—their background, products, and socials—all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/ted-klum-saxophone-mouthpieces-the-secrets-behind-his-success-ep-246   Become a Patron today!   Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content Searchable transcripts for every episode Early access to episodes—hear them before anyone else!   Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!    Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today!