I just learned that Vandoren has come out with a new chamber size for their V16 Jazz Mouthpieces. From the Vandoren website: "• S+ : The new S+ chamber is the next step in the evolution of the V16 alto mouthpiece. It offers a richer depth of sound while keeping the free-blowing nature and projection that characterize the V16 alto models. The S+ chamber accommodates more air providing the musician greater flexibility and a wider array of colors with which to work. The S+

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 have a lot of students asking me what mouthpieces they recommend when they are ready to take their playing to the next step! The benefits of upgrading our mouthpiece are tremendous. With a new higher quality mouthpiece, a student will instantly progress in their tone quality, intonation, articulations, and much more. A student model instrument usually comes with an entry level mouthpiece, which is satisfactory for maybe the first year of playing, but beyond that, a begin

Have you ever noticed that your reeds don't play the same when the weather changes? Here in southern California it is about to rain and I can definitely feel how the weather effects my reeds! The extra humidity in the air can make your reeds play stuffy and weak. The tips of reeds become wavy and brittle and don't create a good seal on the tip of the mouthpiece. Don't throw away those water-logged reeds though, they should bounce back just fine after the weather gets nice

I recently got a new neck strap that I am thrilled about! The Yamaha Air Cell neck strap is a simple device that works great! I have always fluctuated between modern shoulder harness straps and conventional neck straps, but I found that the shoulder harness straps create more tension on the lower back. The reason for this is that shoulder harness straps don't provide the proper positioning for playing with good posture. I'm happy to report that with the Yamaha Air Cell Ne

It is always a thrill when modern rock bands incorporate saxophones and jazz influences into their music. I got the opportunity to perform at The Hi Hat with upcoming LA based rock band Laureline.  @laurelineband #music #jazz #saxophone #live #hihat

All About Jazz is a great website full of amazing reviews of awesome new Jazz albums. Check out some reviews of "Following Signs" by Justin Janer. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article_center.php?in_artist=Justin+janer&in_album=&in_label=&in_author=&in_type=0&language=1&orderby=dt_pub #saxophone #jazz