Saxophone

How to Improve Intonation on the Saxophone

2026-09-11T15:47:59+01:00

Unlike fixed-pitch instruments such as the piano, the saxophone does not produce perfectly stable tuning on its own. As a wind instrument, its pitch constantly depends on the player: breath support, embouchure, voicing, mouthpiece position, choice of reed and, above all, listening skills directly influence intonation. In other words, playing in tune on the saxophone is not simply a matter of ‘tuning’ your instrument once and for all; it is an active skill developed over time. This is all the more true because every saxophone has its own intonation tendencies. Models, [...]

How to Improve Intonation on the Saxophone2026-09-11T15:47:59+01:00

How to Choose Your First Saxophone Mouthpiece: A Beginner’s Guide

2026-07-13T11:21:48+01:00

When buying a first saxophone, people often spend a great deal of time comparing different instruments. Yet one of the most important components is often the mouthpiece. Although small, it has a considerable influence on the sound, playing comfort and the musician’s experience. Two saxophonists playing exactly the same instrument can produce very different sounds simply because they use different mouthpieces. If you have started researching saxophone mouthpieces, you have probably come across a multitude of brands, models and technical terms such as tip opening, chamber and [...]

How to Choose Your First Saxophone Mouthpiece: A Beginner’s Guide2026-07-13T11:21:48+01:00

Best Practice Routines for Busy Adults

2026-06-17T09:38:23+01:00

Finding time to practise the saxophone can seem almost impossible when juggling work, family and other commitments. Deciding to learn a musical instrument while leading a busy life is truly admirable: it demonstrates your passion and determination. However, without regular practice, it is easy to feel stuck or even discouraged when progress seems slow. The good news? Even a few hours of focused practice each week can make a real difference. In this article, we will explore practical strategies and routines to help you incorporate [...]

Best Practice Routines for Busy Adults2026-06-17T09:38:23+01:00

When the Saxophone Became the Voice of 1980s Hong Kong Pop

2026-03-11T15:23:57+00:00

For my grandfather, with all my love and in remembrance I returned to Hong Kong for two weeks for family reasons, to attend my grandfather’s funeral. During this short stay, I had the opportunity to see many relatives whom I had not seen for years. As often happens at family gatherings, our conversations naturally turned to our respective lives. When they learnt that I was studying and playing the saxophone, many were curious and asked me to play something for them. As we talked about music, I [...]

When the Saxophone Became the Voice of 1980s Hong Kong Pop2026-03-11T15:23:57+00:00

How to Keep Your Saxophone in Perfect Condition: A Guide to Care and Maintenance

2026-03-04T19:11:40+00:00

The saxophone is both a delicate and complex instrument. To ensure it performs at its best, meticulous care is essential. Regular maintenance not only extends its lifespan but also ensures responsive keys, pads in good condition and a stable, reliable sound every time you play. In this guide, we will review the essential daily cleaning steps, recommended maintenance intervals and indispensable products that every saxophonist should keep close at hand to maintain their instrument in perfect condition. General cleaning and maintenance routines Proper care [...]

How to Keep Your Saxophone in Perfect Condition: A Guide to Care and Maintenance2026-03-04T19:11:40+00:00

What makes the saxophone unique among wind instruments?

2025-04-04T11:55:13+01:00

As a saxophonist, I often hear amused comments from other musicians claiming that the saxophone belongs to the brass family, an understandable misconception given its shiny, golden appearance. Many people, including non-musicians, mistakenly classify it as a brass instrument. Yet despite its metal body, the saxophone is very much a woodwind instrument, recognisable by its single-reed mouthpiece, similar to that of the clarinet. Invented in the 1840s by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax, the saxophone was intended to combine the [...]

What makes the saxophone unique among wind instruments?2025-04-04T11:55:13+01:00

Improving breath control and lung capacity as a beginner saxophonist

2025-03-18T09:06:26+00:00

Breath control is one of the major challenges for beginner saxophonists. Many struggle to sustain long phrases and run out of air before completing a musical line. Without the right technique, this can lead to shallow breathing, tension and an unstable sound. Yet, like any other musical skill, breath control can be developed with the right approach. This article explores essential breathing techniques, targeted exercises to improve breath control and physical activities that promote lung expansion. By mastering these elements, you will improve your stamina, sound quality and fluency [...]

Improving breath control and lung capacity as a beginner saxophonist2025-03-18T09:06:26+00:00

The History of the Saxophone: From Classical to Jazz

2025-03-18T09:07:30+00:00

When you think of the saxophone, jazz probably comes to mind. Its deep melodies and lively improvisations have become synonymous with the genre. But did you know that the saxophone was originally designed for classical music? Adolphe Sax, the instrument’s inventor, envisaged it as a bridge between woodwind and brass, creating a versatile sound that was perfect for orchestras and military bands. Over time, its unique tone and expressiveness captivated musicians from all backgrounds, setting it on a journey of innovation, adaptation and cultural transformation. In this article, we will explore [...]

The History of the Saxophone: From Classical to Jazz2025-03-18T09:07:30+00:00
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