My old sax teacher in birmingham Andy Hamilton played with the blue tones untill he was 94..i started learning when i was 44 am 74 now and still practice everyday keeps me sane.
Turned 70 the end of last year and still play 40-50 gigs a year. Daily workouts and moving is helping immensely. And flute, my first instrument, which I still love playing. Love Don Braden.
I just started to learn Tenor at 65, so i hope to be able to play until 100...my Great-Grandgrandfather was Contrabassist and played classical music until he was 94...there is a chance to get there.
I am 75 years old I play every day it makes me happy it’s one of the reasons why I smile every day ,keep on playing ,Jay Metcalf has been a big part of that bringing me back to saxophone.,
Healthy diet, healthy sleep, regular exercise and a positive, grateful MINDSET! I adore Don’s sound, I admire his energy and I agree with his philosophy. The book he is reading, Outlive, by Peter Attia, should be required reading for anyone with a body. Excellent interview. Practice gratitude, live healthy and play on.
Great interview, I just turned 70, aging does create issues, but, I always go back the PE class workout from high school days. That is some good stuff. You can modify things as needed. Aerobics are super important, keep those lungs cleared out and healthy and the old heart in best possible shape. Eat properly, and keep harmful substances out of your body. And…I have Eddie Harris’ book autographed by the man.
Started my Alto Sax journey 5 days ago (at age of 35), even made this YT channel just to track my own progress, I basically record all my sessions. Thanks for the awesome content, Better Sax.
That's so true, choosing practice time, from screen time is so important. We have to be disciplined to our workout and practice time. Good point. I'm 67 but still pracrice but I need to practice more. Thank you gentlemen
i just started playing alto sax at age 40 last year i weigh 265 because i take medication for my anger and bipolar and anxiety im trying to eat healthy its hard but im trying i wanna play the saxophone till im a real old person i walk a lot in the spring when it gets warm out and the summer and early fall i would walk a hour a day like three days a week sometimes more if i was feeling upset and anxious don i appreciate what your doing talking about mental health and health and playing the saxophone at the same time i really like the video a lot thanks jay have a great day!
Hi , I am 88 yrs old , having a heart attack a year ago and an A-fib recently i can tell you that my days of playing 4 or 5 hours are over ... Playing a half hour or up to two hours and resting after a couple of chorus's are the best I can do . The breath just ain't what it used to be and I've spoken to others older than I having the same problems. It's just not the same as when we were young like any other vocation. Bobby G.
I’m 61 in four months and play in an orchestra and a big band. I’m an avid cyclist and have just started Triathlons this year and do functional strength training with kettlebells and at the gym. We all Age but getting Old is a Choice.
Don has quite a bit in common w my beliefs in which I have benn incorporating in with my playing. This was a really great interview that definitely improves sax skils and the comfort. I do practice, practice, exercise, exercise & practice some more. Love it! I also play other instruments (brass, guitars, percussions, keyboard) including an old bamboo flute I love to play daily, * throughout the day(working construction/home improvements) but I cannot believe the amazing changes * accomplishments in such short time.. It overwhelms me that I have to lay the sax down & meditate in silence w joy.. So In my opinion and experience (so far) I have to agree with this informative video and definitely will help if you wanna become a legend/pro saxophonist Thanks JAY & DON!
I met Don via Maxine Gordon at an outdoor Dexter Centennial concert where Don was coaching a Harvard Jazz Combo as part of the school’s Jazz Combo Initiative… which he heads. I like Harvard’s use of the title “coach” for Don’s role because it captures the nature of what he does with the students better than the more customary term of director. He shares all of that energy, mentoring, and knowledge, evident in your interview, with the combos. Harvard could not have found a better advocate and educator (coach) for those student musicians.
A few of the old greats got a beautiful sound into their later years using small to medium tip openings and soft reeds: Joe Henderson, Charles Lloyd, Benny Carter . Big tip openings and hard reeds take a lot of fitness, Joe H's sound got more beautiful as he got older, using a small tip and a soft reed.
I’m fighting a lot of health issues. Kidney failure with transplant , liver failure, I need a hip replacement and I’ve lost most of my top teeth. I’ve tried to keep playing but right now it’s just not possible and I miss it so much. I’m not hot shot player but the saxophone has meant so much to me in my life it’s killing me to not be able to play. It’s put me into a deep depression that seems to feed on itself. I know with time some of my issues can be resolved but some can’t. I’m 65 and want to keep playing. I’m enjoying this interview.
Hey Jay, it's been a while since the last time I've spoken here. I still am really grateful for you showing me this instrument and changing my life with it. Recently I started playing it less and less and I don't know why. It's like it doesn't feel fun anymore but i want to do this. I really wanna keep playing but i don't have fun as much as i used to. I have a feeling this is happening because I don't have anything to play so i just resort to some jingles and stuff i hear from some game themes. I do have a few jazz pieces but I'm scared of playing them since I'm shy and don't want my household to talk about it the entire evening. I'm really desperate and my teacher is giving me so much stress since I'm supposed to solo in like every piece and we're currently doing call and response and I can't even remember the slightest melodies cause I'm so stressed from just being there. Is there any way for me to be less stressed and play my instrument more. I really wanna keep playing my soprano because it changed my life just like you did. I can't thank you enough for this. Is it bad if i do daily timers for when i play sax because i did do that but i ignore them because i don't have anything interesting to play. Well i do but then the thing with my family talking about it is back. If you or anyone else who's had or having this problem please tell me how to get back into playing. Thank you
Jay could you please tell me which neck strap Don was talking about as I couldn’t hear which one it was? It’s a bummer trying to find a decent one with spinal & neck issues! Thanks a lot..😁👍
No chance I could start playing any instrument before the age of 61. So I started playing the saxophone, practicing every day and really hope to be able to play many more years. So 60 is no age, no wonder Dan is vital 😅🎶
good for you brigitte how long have you been playing i picked up the saxophone or any instrument at age 40 im now 41 i enjoy going to practice so much i love practicing in my apartment in my room i want to play professionally someday its a long road but it's something ive wanted to do since i was 39 years old its never too late to do something you've always wanted to do have a great day. i need to lose weight and walk as soon it gets hot outside here in delaware.
I’m still looking for the Bettersax Soprano Reed to come out. Maybe a limited number to see who bites…🤔 Not a lot of soprano players as alto-tenor so………
A dear friend is Ned Deihl, long retired from his career as a music professor and director of the Penn State Blue Band. Dr. Deihl will be age 93 in August and is still playing alto in a semi-pro big band and clarinet in a local amateur clarinet quartet. He personifies a lot of the advice mentioned in this video: optimism, staying active mentally and physically, and being connected socially and emotionally
Do you think this could be started at 63. My shoulders and neck are crap . I can't even play my Kingsuper20 Tenor any more and didn't realize the flute may me contributing my shoulder pain as I dont work out. It also very hard to do push ups with shoulder pain.
my teacher mr collins is a nice guy he trying to help me and im trying to process all this information and stuff and its hard cause i have a learning disability and im trying the best i can to process it i need to have the courage to ask him hey can i bring something to write all this down so i can study it i think when i go thursday night to practice i m going to task him if i can write it all down.
@@georgetucci9443 hey it's Todd thanks George I actually record myself on my phone playing then send it to UA-cam and go over the things I made mistakes on thank you for your suggestion have a great day
There are things in the genetic code for some of our bodies that no amount of preventative strategies will overcome as we age. It's up to each of us to determine for ourselves what we can tolerate and when the sax stays in the case. Arthritis, cardio-pulmonary disease, cancer etc. Arguing and judging is pointless. This from a former distance cyclist-musician (woodwinds).
This is the wisest comment I've read here thus far. I'm 60, partially sighted all my life, overweight, and just started playing the saxophone a year ago. We are people, not cookies from a cookie cutter. So, we all have unique histories, challenges, strengths and weaknesses, and have to deal with them on an individualized basis, as you have stated. Take it one day at a time, for that's all we ever really have. Ultimately, each of us will die, no matter whet shape we're in, or ambitions we may have. That being said, trying to maintain a good quality of life is a worthwhile goal, allowing for the fact that life is unpredictable and finite. Carpe Diem, and enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Why is somebody of 60 telling us how to play when we get old? How would he know? He's only 60. I'm 76. I'll give up when I stop improving. No sign yet. I play most of the solos in our big band. I don't play as well as Don but maybe one day I will.
i am so far away from Din Braden it has become a tragedy. i feel like killing myself after listening to this interview as I’ve wasted away too many years of my life. If you could see my life you would someone who is a total loser.
Thanks For Sharing Man... Comparison is Despairing. I have to be very careful to move the muscles and not go there or if I do be willing to get out of that place that unfortunately has the pull of a drug. Compared to me im doing great if im moving forward which I have been doing my best at..... im 53 and can think I've blown it with not been who i sometimes think I should be....writing it down even here shows the obsessional nature of this fear sickness. Lots of older dudes on some comments ive seen here speaking so positively about the joy that is found in the Now ...thats really encouraging as was this interview, never met Jay but love his work,. Don I have met and yes he alluded to the Gift that we do best when we all do well. I look forward to playing with my Dad in a few weeks when I get to Ireland, he is an 88 year young saxophone player. So Lets all keep on keepin on.......(I am about to finish reading the Michael Brecker Book tonight.... last chapter ironically but it's encouraged me greatly despite the obviousness of how so many players have reached such Daunting Heights) . Writing down 3 things that I would like to achieve/work on musically another of the gems of this terrific watch/listen. Best, Mac
My old sax teacher in birmingham Andy Hamilton played with the blue tones untill he was 94..i started learning when i was 44 am 74 now and still practice everyday keeps me sane.
Turned 70 the end of last year and still play 40-50 gigs a year. Daily workouts and moving is helping immensely. And flute, my first instrument, which I still love playing. Love Don Braden.
I just started to learn Tenor at 65, so i hope to be able to play until 100...my Great-Grandgrandfather was Contrabassist and played classical music until he was 94...there is a chance to get there.
OMG we are not alone. ❤I just started at 54 2 years ago. We had lung cancer and I forbid to have that.
Next week I’m beginning my first sax lesson! I’m a 66 years woman !! 🤗😃
@@corallonero2001 Good luck and have fun.
Another one... I bought myself my first saxophone (Yamaha alto YAS-280) for my 65th birthday. Best time to start playing (or last minute?)...
I am 75 years old I play every day it makes me happy it’s one of the reasons why I smile every day ,keep on playing ,Jay Metcalf has been a big part of that bringing me back to saxophone.,
Healthy diet, healthy sleep, regular exercise and a positive, grateful MINDSET! I adore Don’s sound, I admire his energy and I agree with his philosophy. The book he is reading, Outlive, by Peter Attia, should be required reading for anyone with a body. Excellent interview. Practice gratitude, live healthy and play on.
Great interview, I just turned 70, aging does create issues, but, I always go back the PE class workout from high school days. That is some good stuff. You can modify things as needed. Aerobics are super important, keep those lungs cleared out and healthy and the old heart in best possible shape.
Eat properly, and keep harmful substances out of your body.
And…I have Eddie Harris’ book autographed by the man.
Started my Alto Sax journey 5 days ago (at age of 35), even made this YT channel just to track my own progress, I basically record all my sessions. Thanks for the awesome content, Better Sax.
That's so true, choosing practice time, from screen time is so important. We have to be disciplined to our workout and practice time. Good point. I'm 67 but still pracrice but I need to practice more. Thank you gentlemen
i just started playing alto sax at age 40 last year i weigh 265 because i take medication for my anger and bipolar and anxiety im trying to eat healthy its hard but im trying i wanna play the saxophone till im a real old person i walk a lot in the spring when it gets warm out and the summer and early fall i would walk a hour a day like three days a week sometimes more if i was feeling upset and anxious don i appreciate what your doing talking about mental health and health and playing the saxophone at the same time i really like the video a lot thanks jay have a great day!
Hi , I am 88 yrs old , having a heart attack a year ago and an A-fib recently i can tell you that my days of playing 4 or 5 hours are over ... Playing a half hour or up to two hours and resting after a couple of chorus's are the best I can do . The breath just ain't what it used to be and I've spoken to others older than I having the same problems.
It's just not the same as when we were young like any other vocation. Bobby G.
Great interview ❤ Excellent advice.
Thanks to the both of you ❤
Don is such a great player, and an amazing teacher/ mentor. I've seen him live, and HE SWINGS SO HARD! His rhythm is amazing.
Wow what a powerhouse of a person. Really clear about who is and what he does. What a unique interview.
Don Braden is the man!! I remember him coming to Aebersold camp in 2019 and having a huge impact on how I approach playing.
Brayden for president, and you for vice!!
Jay always covers such awesome topics and gives us good content! 🙌🏽🎷❤
Thanks Jay for the awesome content
Music has really help save my life!!! Praise Elohim
I’m 61 in four months and play in an orchestra and a big band. I’m an avid cyclist and have just started Triathlons this year and do functional strength training with kettlebells and at the gym. We all Age but getting Old is a Choice.
Don has quite a bit in common w my beliefs in which I have benn incorporating in with my playing. This was a really great interview that definitely improves sax skils and the comfort. I do practice, practice, exercise, exercise & practice some more. Love it! I also play other instruments (brass, guitars, percussions, keyboard) including an old bamboo flute I love to play daily, * throughout the day(working construction/home improvements) but I cannot believe the amazing changes * accomplishments in such short time.. It overwhelms me that I have to lay the sax down & meditate in silence w joy.. So In my opinion and experience (so far) I have to agree with this informative video and definitely will help if you wanna become a legend/pro saxophonist Thanks JAY & DON!
I met Don via Maxine Gordon at an outdoor Dexter Centennial concert where Don was coaching a Harvard Jazz Combo as part of the school’s Jazz Combo Initiative… which he heads. I like Harvard’s use of the title “coach” for Don’s role because it captures the nature of what he does with the students better than the more customary term of director. He shares all of that energy, mentoring, and knowledge, evident in your interview, with the combos. Harvard could not have found a better advocate and educator (coach) for those student musicians.
Not too much wrong with Don's brain, I'm 79 and struggling abit with my arthritic forefinger but still love it!
Thank you for the inspiration!
A few of the old greats got a beautiful sound into their later years using small to medium tip openings and soft reeds: Joe Henderson, Charles Lloyd, Benny Carter . Big tip openings and hard reeds take a lot of fitness, Joe H's sound got more beautiful as he got older, using a small tip and a soft reed.
I’m fighting a lot of health issues. Kidney failure with transplant , liver failure, I need a hip replacement and I’ve lost most of my top teeth. I’ve tried to keep playing but right now it’s just not possible and I miss it so much. I’m not hot shot player but the saxophone has meant so much to me in my life it’s killing me to not be able to play. It’s put me into a deep depression that seems to feed on itself. I know with time some of my issues can be resolved but some can’t. I’m 65 and want to keep playing. I’m enjoying this interview.
Can Roland aerophone be a good substitute to play?
Sorry to hear this. Wishing you the best for a speedy recovery and return to playing.
Hey Jay, it's been a while since the last time I've spoken here. I still am really grateful for you showing me this instrument and changing my life with it. Recently I started playing it less and less and I don't know why.
It's like it doesn't feel fun anymore but i want to do this. I really wanna keep playing but i don't have fun as much as i used to. I have a feeling this is happening because I don't have anything to play so i just resort to some jingles and stuff i hear from some game themes. I do have a few jazz pieces but I'm scared of playing them since I'm shy and don't want my household to talk about it the entire evening. I'm really desperate and my teacher is giving me so much stress since I'm supposed to solo in like every piece and we're currently doing call and response and I can't even remember the slightest melodies cause I'm so stressed from just being there. Is there any way for me to be less stressed and play my instrument more. I really wanna keep playing my soprano because it changed my life just like you did. I can't thank you enough for this. Is it bad if i do daily timers for when i play sax because i did do that but i ignore them because i don't have anything interesting to play. Well i do but then the thing with my family talking about it is back. If you or anyone else who's had or having this problem please tell me how to get back into playing. Thank you
Awesome
Thanks!
Thank you!
Hey sax players, Energized or Exhausted? What do you think after listening to Don? Amazing Man!
Jay could you please tell me which neck strap Don was talking about as I couldn’t hear which one it was? It’s a bummer trying to find a decent one with spinal & neck issues! Thanks a lot..😁👍
No chance I could start playing any instrument before the age of 61. So I started playing the saxophone, practicing every day and really hope to be able to play many more years. So 60 is no age, no wonder Dan is vital 😅🎶
good for you brigitte how long have you been playing i picked up the saxophone or any instrument at age 40 im now 41 i enjoy going to practice so much i love practicing in my apartment in my room i want to play professionally someday its a long road but it's something ive wanted to do since i was 39 years old its never too late to do something you've always wanted to do have a great day. i need to lose weight and walk as soon it gets hot outside here in delaware.
I’m still looking for the Bettersax Soprano Reed to come out. Maybe a limited number to see who bites…🤔 Not a lot of soprano players as alto-tenor so………
Just wondering how much longer I should play with our jazz band.. three of us are turning 78 this year..
Our 2nd tenor is 76 and still going strong. 2nd trumpet is 75.
A dear friend is Ned Deihl, long retired from his career as a music professor and director of the Penn State Blue Band. Dr. Deihl will be age 93 in August and is still playing alto in a semi-pro big band and clarinet in a local amateur clarinet quartet. He personifies a lot of the advice mentioned in this video: optimism, staying active mentally and physically, and being connected socially and emotionally
Is there a link, or an indication anywhere for which performance is the one at 30:48 ? It sounds gorgeous.
Do you think this could be started at 63. My shoulders and neck are crap . I can't even play my Kingsuper20 Tenor any more and didn't realize the flute may me contributing my shoulder pain as I dont work out. It also very hard to do push ups with shoulder pain.
Random question but what does. A step baffle ina mouthpiece do sound wise ? Is it easier for highnotes or low notes ?
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
In my country we often say: who drinks for a hundred years, lives a long time!
☮️🎶🎶🎵🎷
my teacher mr collins is a nice guy he trying to help me and im trying to process all this information and stuff and its hard cause i have a learning disability and im trying the best i can to process it i need to have the courage to ask him hey can i bring something to write all this down so i can study it i think when i go thursday night to practice i m going to task him if i can write it all down.
You ought to buy an inexpensive, hand held, tape recorder. You can record your lesson and refer back to it when you are home. That should help you
@@georgetucci9443 hey it's Todd thanks George I actually record myself on my phone playing then send it to UA-cam and go over the things I made mistakes on thank you for your suggestion have a great day
I put the phone down on my sax case and I'm recording myself playing is what I meant to say
There are things in the genetic code for some of our bodies that no amount of preventative strategies will overcome as we age. It's up to each of us to determine for ourselves what we can tolerate and when the sax stays in the case. Arthritis, cardio-pulmonary disease, cancer etc. Arguing and judging is pointless. This from a former distance cyclist-musician (woodwinds).
This is the wisest comment I've read here thus far.
I'm 60, partially sighted all my life, overweight, and just started playing the saxophone a year ago. We are people, not cookies from a cookie cutter. So, we all have unique histories, challenges, strengths and weaknesses, and have to deal with them on an individualized basis, as you have stated.
Take it one day at a time, for that's all we ever really have. Ultimately, each of us will die, no matter whet shape we're in, or ambitions we may have. That being said, trying to maintain a good quality of life is a worthwhile goal, allowing for the fact that life is unpredictable and finite. Carpe Diem, and enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Why is somebody of 60 telling us how to play when we get old? How would he know? He's only 60. I'm 76. I'll give up when I stop improving. No sign yet. I play most of the solos in our big band. I don't play as well as Don but maybe one day I will.
All the stuff he tells me to not let happen I already let happen. Sucks to be me.
Step 1: Live to 100.
Naw, I'm cool bowing out at 61 before I become a has-been.
Don needs a baldie 😢😮😅
i am so far away from Din Braden it has become a tragedy. i feel like killing myself after listening to this interview as I’ve wasted away too many years of my life. If you could see my life you would someone who is a total
loser.
Thanks For Sharing Man... Comparison is Despairing. I have to be very careful to move the muscles and not go there or if I do be willing to get out of that place that unfortunately has the pull of a drug. Compared to me im doing great if im moving forward which I have been doing my best at..... im 53 and can think I've blown it with not been who i sometimes think I should be....writing it down even here shows the obsessional nature of this fear sickness. Lots of older dudes on some comments ive seen here speaking so positively about the joy that is found in the Now ...thats really encouraging as was this interview, never met Jay but love his work,. Don I have met and yes he alluded to the Gift that we do best when we all do well. I look forward to playing with my Dad in a few weeks when I get to Ireland, he is an 88 year young saxophone player. So Lets all keep on keepin on.......(I am about to finish reading the Michael Brecker Book tonight.... last chapter ironically but it's encouraged me greatly despite the obviousness of how so many players have reached such Daunting Heights) . Writing down 3 things that I would like to achieve/work on musically another of the gems of this terrific watch/listen. Best, Mac
I think smoking weed is out off the list 😂😂😂