Saxophone Lesson #39: Breathing and Warm Up Routine

A player's "tonal concept" is the sound that they wish to create. The actual tone produced is influenced by several factors: The player's tonal concept The pressure and speed of the air stream produced by the player's diaphragm The position of the player's trachea, throat and oral cavity The player's embouchure The position of the instrument relative to the player's body The design of the mouthpiece (chamber, facing, tip opening) and reed strength The design of the instrument Train the lung to produce the steady, focused, sustained air stream needed to make the reed vibrate. Try to use the whole lung capacity, allowing the lower part of the lungs to push the stomach forward, then filling the upper cavity. The air is then released steadily, controlled by a muscle called the diaphragm. The air stream should never be choppy. Keep good posture with a straight back and neck to aid the breathing process. Do not raise and lower the shoulders when breathing. Using too little air can result in playing sharp, while using too much air can cause a note to go flat. A good way to practice producing a steady air stream is to play scales at various speeds using the full range of the instrument. Concentrate on producing an even air stream and consistent sound all the way up and down.

Warm-up saxophone in African rythem Sax warm up Warm-up Examples Circular Breathing 1a, by Terry B. Ewell Circular Breathing 1b, by Terry B. Ewell Walter Beasley demonstrating circular breathing CIRCULAR BREATHING - Eduardo Kohan

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