What do I practice on saxophone?

Practicing the saxophone effectively requires a well-rounded routine that covers various aspects of playing. Here are some suggestions for creating an effective practice routine:

Warm-up:

Begin with long tones to focus on tone production and intonation. Hold each note for an extended period, focusing on producing a clear, resonant sound.

Scales and Arpeggios:

Practice scales in all keys, focusing on evenness of tone, articulation, and intonation. Use a scale book, like Pares Scales, to help!

Incorporate different scale patterns (e.g., thirds, fourths, chromatic scales) to improve technique and finger dexterity.

Practice arpeggios and chord progressions to develop fluency in harmony and improve finger coordination.

Technical Exercises:

Include exercises such as finger dexterity drills, articulation exercises (e.g., tonguing patterns), and octave jumps to improve agility and control over the instrument. Use method books like the Ferling Etudes, Rubank Advanced Method, or the Universal Method for Saxophone for structured technical exercises.

Etudes:

Work on etudes that target specific technical and musical challenges. Etudes help improve phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and overall musicality. Choose etudes from standard saxophone repertoire books such as the Ferling Etudes, or the Voxman Selected Studies for Saxophone.

Consistency and Patience:

Practice regularly and consistently to build muscle memory and improve overall proficiency on the instrument.

Be patient and persistent, as progress may be gradual but consistent practice yields results over time.

Customize your practice routine to address your specific strengths and weaknesses, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified saxophone teacher or mentor for personalized feedback and instruction.