Hi I've decided to start posting mini saxophone lessons! Here is the first one. How to get a better sound instantly. Your bottom lip placement is crucial in getting a good sound full of lush vibration. If you take a close look at your lip, you can clearly see where the skin of your face meets the skin of you lip, coming together at a clear line. This line is called your vermillion border. This line should match up exactly with your reed. Often times, students tuck their

Another one of my favorite harmonica players is Mickey Raphael. He is the harmonica player in Willie Nelson's Band and has had a long career performing and recording with many amazing artists such as Townes Van Zandt, Ray Charles, Elton John and so many more. I love the simplicity in his playing and the way his tone compliments Willie Nelsons on so many recordings from the 70's and onward. He also refrains from playing cliche blues riffs and often plays clear, concise,

One of my favorite harmonica players of all time is Johnny Cash. Most people know him as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, but he is also an amazing harmonica player. He often played two harmonicas at once on the same song! Check out the song "Orange Blossom Special" Big Wave Music School - Learn to Play Piano, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and more Redondo Beach CA #harmonicalessons

Faber Gold Star 2B is one of my favorite piano songbooks. The tunes are great and easy to play. Kids love these catchy and quirky compositions! Big Wave Music School - Learn to Play Piano, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and more Redondo Beach CA #Faber #Piano #music #sheetmusic #classical #rock #jazz

I just got a new flute case because my original case that came with my instrument was completely worn out. I have been playing the same Yamaha 221 made in Japan for over 15 years and finally decided to replace the original case that the instrument came with. It was missing a handle, the fabric was completely torn inside, and my flute was no longer protected. The hinges were busted too! I decided to purchase a Protec Max Flute Case and honestly have pretty mixed reviews

Today I was listening to a great jazz record by legendary alto saxophonist Frank Morgan called Lament. Frank was a fantastic alto saxophonist who followed in the footsteps of Charlie Parker. Primarily a bebop player, he also played beautiful ballads with a sweet and soulful soaring tone. I also enjoyed Cedar Walton's piano playing on the album as well. I think I picked this album out of the used bin at Amoeba Records in Hollywood many years ago. If you want to learn how t

Every now and then something might not work correctly on your musical equipment. Whether it is an alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, guitar, ukulele, piano keyboard, or other instrument, regular and routine maintenance is very important in preventing major issues that could arise in the middle of an audition or gig! Today I took out my Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone and knew immediately that something was wrong with it. Having experience with issues like this

I love listening to CDs from the local library. This week I picked up a bunch of them and enjoyed listened to an album by Tom Waits called "Small Change" recorded in 1976. Reading the liner notes, I noticed that there were some major legendary jazz musicians on the recording. Not only did drummer Shelly Manne appear, but also the great Lew Tabackin were featured on a number of tracks. Lew is a tremendous tenor saxophonist! I have always loved his energy and extremely per

This New Years Eve I performed at The Westlake Village Inn with Louie Cruz Beltran. We had a great time! This event was Brazilian themed and the music was a mixture of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Carnival Music. We had to wear these fun red shirts too! That's amazing guitarist/arranger Tony Ybarra. Big Wave Music School - Learn to Play Piano, Keyboard, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and more Redondo Beach CA #newyears #NewYearseve #brazianmusic #latinjazz #flute

Happy New Year! Sometimes your reeds get waterlogged like this. It's best to break them in gradually by playing new reeds a little bit each day. I used this brand new reed on a gig and it got damaged. Still sounds good though!