Sax in the Time of Cholera: How to Maximize Your Musical Growth When You’re Stuck Indoors
Love in the Time of Cholera (2003). Javier would have looked happier if he were practicing.
With schools canceled or moved online, you’ve experienced a major disruption in your normal routine. That includes the time you normally spend with your saxophone. But this new routine doesn’t have to hurt your development as a saxophonist. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to increase your individual practice and work on overall musicianship skills. Plus, spending time practicing is a great way to take a break from any family members who might be driving you crazy...and who knows, they might just appreciate a break from you too!
Here are some ideas for how to make the most of this crazy moment:
Take Advantage of Extra Practice Time
When school, sports, and extracurriculars are in full swing, you might find it hard to carve out the time for regular saxophone practice. Or at least that’s the excuse my students give me when they haven’t practiced. Well, no more excuses! Now you’ve got all the time you need to give every part of your practice section careful attention.
Start with some luxurious long tones - the best thing you can do to improve your sound. Take a big breath and sustain a note on your instrument, letting it settle into the best possible sound you can produce. Aim for a big, full, pure sound that resonates in the room. Repeat for all notes in your range. Always use a visual and/or audio tuner to make sure you’re playing in tune. The more time you spend playing in-tune long tones with the sound you want, the easier it will be for you to play in tune with that sound all the time. Looking for ways to extend and enhance your long tone practice? Add dynamics, intervals, articulation, or vibrato.
Next are technical exercises and scales, two more things that seem to get short-changed when we’re crunched for time. For technical exercises, pick some to touch on every day that address areas of concern for you - maybe you want to improve your tongue speed, low register technique, or overall hand position. Whatever it is, find an exercise that lets you address it.
For scales, set a goal - maybe you want to learn all your major scales full range in 8th notes at quarter = 100. Figure out how to make a little progress towards your goal each day. For example, pick one scale and increase the tempo from 60 - 80 by increments of 4. Hold yourself to perfect performance of each repetition!
Take It Slow
In all your practice, going slowly first is key. It doesn’t matter if you think you know the scale or exercise already - slow practice is your opportunity to reinforce what you’ve already worked on know and improve the small details of your playing: finger/hand position, breathing, tone quality, etc. You can make sure all those elements of your technique are working at maximum efficiency and efficacy when you’re playing slowly enough that your brain has a chance to process all those things. Take your time - you finally have it!
Don’t Destroy Your Chops
Easy there, tiger! If you find your new practice routine is hurting your lips or teeth, take a break. Work up to the increased playing time if you’re not used to it, and be sure to take a day off every once and a while to let your embouchure recover.
But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do to improve your musicianship when you don’t have a horn in your face. Here are some ideas:
Rhythm Work
I highly recommend counting and clapping your way through this book.
Listening, Singing, Transcribing
Is there a sax solo you know so well you could sing it? If not, start listening to one over and over until you can sing it along with the recording from beginning to end. Then, and only then, try to figure out how to play it. This process of listening, singing, and transcribing is the classic method for learning how to improvise. Need ideas of solos to transcribe? Check out this list of 50 Easy Jazz Solos by Jeff Libman.
Watch and Attend Online Concerts
Many arts organizations are offering free or discounted streamed concerts on their websites or streaming platforms. Check out Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s live streams and past shows. Attending concerts is one of the best ways to stoke your musical curiosity and motivation.
Research
Ok, it’s maybe not the most glamorous task, but researching can be fun! Learn about history of your instrument (check out The Devil’s Horn), or general musical history (Alex Ross’ The Rest is Noise blog and book) , discover new repertoire, or get yourself acquainted with the best players. A caveat: avoid trying to learn too much about equipment online…it can be a rabbit hole that takes you away from focusing on your musical progress. And try to be discerning with your sources - there’s a lot of junk out there!
Take Lessons Online
There’s never been a better time to take advantage of online private instruction. Even the most traditional teachers who previously resisted online lessons are now being forced — sometimes kicking and screaming — to learn what “Skype” means. If you’ve always wanted to take lessons with someone whose location was a barrier, chances are they are now offering online lessons. I’ve been teaching online for some time, and while it will never be quite as good as in-person lessons, it can still work pretty well.
Additionally, many previously-busy performing musicians and college-level saxophone professors now face cancelled gigs and classes, and may be looking to teach privately. Consider researching and reaching out to a well-respected performing saxophonist or college professor to inquire about lessons.
Finally, look for other types of virtual learning opportunities that I anticipate will be cropping up - masterclasses, virtual camps, etc. I’ll post links here as I see them.
Remember It Won’t Last Forever
Your extra time at home is temporary, even if at times it may seem like there’s no end in sight. Make the best of it and try to enjoy the freedom to stretch out your practice as much as you can. But keep in mind that you’ll be back in your old routines eventually. If you’re noticing results from new practice habits, consider how you can adapt your successful practice elements into shorter sessions when your normal schedule resumes.