Conquering the Soprano Saxophone

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  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @clarethornley4508
    @clarethornley4508 Рік тому +5

    I've been playing clarinet in concert band and orchestra for years. Last week I bought a curved soprano sax on impulse and what I've taken from your video is that I really do need a few lessons. I even know an accomplished soprano sax player who teaches and tonight she agreed to take me on!
    So I came back here today to say thank you, Ray, for uploading this.🎷

  • @setherik9334
    @setherik9334 2 роки тому +10

    Thank you Ray. After 30 years of playing the soprano, it has now become my main sax. What an incredible instrument for almost all music styles. Like peeling a plumb, the results of working at this is super sweet.

  • @orlandomartinez5484
    @orlandomartinez5484 3 роки тому +16

    Been playing soprano for a good 5 months now with 10 years of sax playing under my belt, and these tips are really helpful! Thank you!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +3

      Thank you! I am so glad the video is helpful! You should also check out the book and all the other videos!

  • @granvillemoore1218
    @granvillemoore1218 2 роки тому +6

    This is an excellent demonstration on the soprano sax thank you

  • @nickm8134
    @nickm8134 Рік тому +3

    Thank you - Just trying soprano after playing alto for a few years - I knew it is a very different instrument from Alto / Tenor, but this video really pinpoints what those differences are and how to approach them. I believe it important to be aware of and realistic about, the challenges, and to be prepared to put in the time and effort. What a beautiful sound this instrument makes when played well.

  • @gerrycappuccio4186
    @gerrycappuccio4186 2 роки тому +2

    You sound wonderful ! Thanks for sharing this lesson !

  • @RonaldStewart
    @RonaldStewart Рік тому

    Wow that suggestion to just play the mouthpiece was amazing. I haven't done that in years with my alto. That exercise immdediatly opened up my soprano sound

  • @adanmantri5599
    @adanmantri5599 3 роки тому +6

    I've been playing soprano on Lincolnshire Posy and it's been absolute hell for the start of Horkstow Grange, also that reference to The Old Castle on bassoon was smoothhhh

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      Thank you. How are you doing with your soprano now?

    • @adanmantri5599
      @adanmantri5599 3 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 Great, thanks for asking! The voicing has become much more natural with practice, and I can get those extremes of the range to speak without absolutely honking.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      @@adanmantri5599 Fantastic! Glad to hear...

  • @garymelhaff9327
    @garymelhaff9327 2 місяці тому

    Thanks - I mistakenly started with soprano and rarely play it now even though I still love it. But just never got the proficiency I wanted on top of not as easily fit into situations since it so dominates compared to alto and esp tenor. But reminded me how much I love what it's capable of.

  • @biggeorgemulti
    @biggeorgemulti 2 роки тому +1

    Great Soprano sax----geniale--Perfekto.......

  • @auberginemachine567
    @auberginemachine567 Рік тому

    Having played tenor for 45 years, I have been playing my daughter's baritone for a few months, but recently acquired a curved soprano. It is, as you describe, a completely different animal. This video gave me some excellent guidance. I am willing to work at it. I intend to buy your book(s). I subscribed to your channel and will be a regular viewer of your videos. Thank you!!!!!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! I’m so glad this is useful to you! Good luck as you pursue the soprano.

  • @marks.6656
    @marks.6656 3 роки тому +6

    Thank you for all of the hard work and effort you put into making this video. I'm loving your sound on Snowdrift!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much! I am glad it is helpful to you!

  • @evanchrisney7069
    @evanchrisney7069 3 роки тому +3

    I've been waiting for this one, thank you!!

  • @kentcgrover
    @kentcgrover 3 роки тому +4

    Great video, Ray!! I’m enjoying the books a lot. Best regards,
    Kent

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      Thanks so much, Kent! Hope all is well with you and your family.

  • @jazldazl9193
    @jazldazl9193 Рік тому +1

    Sir, I admire and salute you for your passionate obsession. Your tone and teaching is exemplary. Thank you

  • @mccafferyfamily
    @mccafferyfamily Рік тому

    don't even play saxaphone (yet) but this is great overview, great teaching style....hope next year to take on saxaphone, in addition to many instruments i already play....

  • @johnvaros8246
    @johnvaros8246 3 роки тому +3

    The death stick itself, I love it though

  • @frankzona5459
    @frankzona5459 2 роки тому +1

    Ray, a very informative video. Yes, Soprano is a beast. I've recently made some adjustments in playing by taking in less mpc compared to Tenor and Alto. I find that I get more control of my sound in the higher registers. I will check out your book and recordings as well.

  • @kennybradshaw2122
    @kennybradshaw2122 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Ray, such a good explanation, much appreciated. Great sound! (Sydney, Australia)

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much! I am happy to hear from Australia!

  • @lyntedrockley7295
    @lyntedrockley7295 Рік тому

    Excellent thanks.

  • @mileswhite4329
    @mileswhite4329 2 роки тому

    First time watching you, but I just downloaded your book
    I'm right at the beginning.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Let me know how it is going after you’ve had a chance to dig in!

    • @mileswhite4329
      @mileswhite4329 2 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 thanks I appreciate that. I went from trumpet to the tenor sax and now the soprano, mostly self taught. I will watch your videos and read the book and see how it goes.

  • @vikingwind25
    @vikingwind25 2 роки тому

    This is the best information I have found on dealing with a Soprano. I have played my Conn 10M tenor and Buescher 1921 Alto off and on for many years. I will be receiving a China built Soprano soon. After what I am sure will be needed adjustments (or exchange) I will be working on dealing with infamious Soprano intonation issues Thank You for this video!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  2 роки тому

      Thank you, dear brother! Best Wishes with your new soprano!!

  • @BenNicholsMusic
    @BenNicholsMusic 3 роки тому +2

    Nice tips! These are great things to think about for anyone playing soprano 👍🏼

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      Thank, Ben! I hope it will help a lot of soprano players.

  • @latinkeys1
    @latinkeys1 2 роки тому

    You really understand the instrument. Thanks for the tips.

  • @jakepowell6298
    @jakepowell6298 2 роки тому

    As a newish sop player this has been so helpful thanks so much!

  • @TheAtheistworld
    @TheAtheistworld 28 днів тому

    Pain in the ass, but very rewarding ❤ nice instrument. Thnx brother

  • @mart872uk
    @mart872uk Рік тому

    There are other saxophones . And don't need to rush - to learn . Nice video .

  • @Krisha991
    @Krisha991 10 місяців тому

    What a divine sound!
    By the way, what was that beautiful piece of organ(?) music?

  • @gib321
    @gib321 2 роки тому

    Very instructive. Thank you.
    I've signed up!

  • @robannmateja5000
    @robannmateja5000 4 місяці тому

    I realize this post is several years old, but wondering if someone could let me know if the Kindle version of "The Science and Art of Saxophone Teaching" renders well, or is it better and more practical to get the physical book? That is, if there are many diagrams or scores in the book, can they be easily read on a kindle device or kindle reader? Thank you

  • @brandonshenmusic
    @brandonshenmusic 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the tips! Helps out a lot

  • @GermarDerron
    @GermarDerron Рік тому

    DOpe - intonation section great. I also notice the "long c-sharp" thing immediately. Been doing it for 30 years but does not work on Soprano.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому +1

      No, you are right, it does not work on soprano. I have found that leaving down finger 3 (no octave key) over the break makes things smoother.

  • @johnr.5721
    @johnr.5721 3 роки тому +4

    Hi. Thank you for this very helpful lesson. Any advice about avoiding thumb pain due to the weight of the soprano? I have the Cannonball VR soprano, which has a comparatively mellow tone, but it is heavy. What posture is acceptable? Is it acceptable to lean forward or lower the head? Or rest the bell on a desk?
    Would a curved soprano or a straight one with a curved neck help? Thank you.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +4

      Hopefully, you are using the neckstrap. The curved neck is intended to help you put more of the weight on the neckstrap and less on your thumb. It can be possible to rest it on your knee depending on your height. Leaning forward a little is good, but I would not lower your head. Keep your head erect and then adjust the neckstrap so you are not reaching down or up for the mouthpiece.

  • @danielgersax
    @danielgersax 3 роки тому

    Thank you!!!

  • @inregionecaecorum
    @inregionecaecorum Рік тому

    I bought a soprano saxphone a couple of days ago thinking it would be simple to play as I have the basics of the fingering from the flute. Wow was I wrong, it seems there is almost a semitone of latitude on each note with the embouchure, yeah I can knock out a tune or two on it already but keeping in key is going to be a nightmare.

  • @aarono2301
    @aarono2301 3 роки тому

    Uhg glad I came across this video... my mouthpiece pitch is a Bb... im struggling to bring it up to a C...

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      How are you doing now? Is it helping?

    • @aarono2301
      @aarono2301 2 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 its improving. I've been working on breaking the habit and firming up my embachure- I've played on my aerophone while recovering from coves and lost alot of strength

  • @kamilocardona
    @kamilocardona 3 роки тому

    Ray, hello from Colombia. Im learning a lot from your experience. Thanks for develop this material !

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      Camilo, thanks for subscribing. I'm glad the videos are helpful. Check out the book! I was in Bogota and Cali last week. You have a beautiful country!!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      My grandson now lives with his new bride between Cali and Santander.

    • @kamilocardona
      @kamilocardona 3 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 Ohh ray. You cant be serious. Really? My saxophone Teacher was PhD Javier Ocampo. I guess you know him. I will be so happy to stay in touch with you. Pd: Forgive my english. Im learning it... I will check the book!

  • @johnnyloungejazz5477
    @johnnyloungejazz5477 10 місяців тому

    Are there sopranos that are more likely to play in tune? Quality I understand

  • @carolynking4828
    @carolynking4828 Рік тому

    I've been learning the soprano since last Christmas as it was a present from my husband. I'm finding it challenging, and my current problems are reeds getting waterlogged and notes squeaking. I will try putting my mouth further into the mouthpiece, but do you have any other suggestions please? I'm playing with a Hemker Strength 3 or Vandoren Strength 3 reed. I've also been playing alto sax since 1982, and I also play the flute and a little clarinet. Thank you very much.

  • @johnnyloungejazz5477
    @johnnyloungejazz5477 10 місяців тому

    How about finding a MP

  • @charliegodell
    @charliegodell 2 роки тому

    Thanks for these incredible soprano approach...a great and beatiful beast ¡¡¡ Where can i get the whole albums samples you played. Thanks

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  2 роки тому +1

      SI think the music I played on that video are from the Q’d Up Zagranitsa album. You can find it at www.jazzhangrecords.com

    • @charliegodell
      @charliegodell 2 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 Thanks , love your content and long distance teaching

  • @gerrycappuccio4186
    @gerrycappuccio4186 2 роки тому

    What are the classical & jazz mouthpiece names & facings you are playing ? Also what kind of Legere reed & strength are you playing ? Last question what model & brand sax ?

  • @edwarddesenne6153
    @edwarddesenne6153 2 роки тому

    According to the shape of one‘s jaw, thickness of one’s liips and the width of aperture and model of mouthpiece., a forward lowering of the lower lip allows me to use the standard jazz undulating lipped vibrato for jazz and bends in place of the non variable classical static lip position, relying on change of air pressure as with the flute, but regardlless of how you achieve it - your sound expression is perfect for the jazz and classical piecesyiu played .I have a 1981 Mark VI Selmer gold lacquered soprano and use a 1950s Selmer 7 Super Session ebonite mouthpiece providing excellent intonation. I will play along and try to replicate some of the exercises i haven’t yet mastered which you demonstrate on your video !

  • @maddie2800
    @maddie2800 Рік тому

    Wowee. This is exactly what I am looking for. Thank you!
    Having played alto (quite well) a few years ago I now have a sop to play with and it really put me in my place haha . My sister and I (main instrument being flute) had a good giggle with some of the most unhinged sop duets our neighbours are ever likely to hear.
    I later come back and really tried to put some work into it and it was so fun. I found it really responded to my internal singing tone and intonation in passages leaning up to those tricky notes. A few times i got a half decent tone. Playing a note from scratch was a lotto draw. Once Im less chopped and my core recovers Im excited to put some more work in.
    I found it very difficult to keep the sound full when not pumping the volume. Am I just used to being lazy with my alto and need to keep an intense air flow or should I bother getting maybe a better mouthpiece that is more responsive?
    If you respond I will be thrilled! Thanks, from Australia :)

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому

      Hi Maddie, I’m glad you are finding value in the video. I’m also glad to hear you are taking on the soprano. What mouthpiece and instrument are you using? And what reeds? Where in Australia do you live? I will try to help but need a little more information. Best wishes, Ray

  • @adysaxman77
    @adysaxman77 Рік тому

    Nice video Ray, very informative! I see you have a clunk of metal on your sax, presumably that helps with the 'crispness' of the notes? I've recently purchased an 'LA Sax' straight soprano, and where the F# key is situated, there are another two keys, which I've never encountered before, does your saxophone have these? Also, I've seen some saxophonists swear by 'bite patches' on their mouthpiece, but I see that you don't use them yourself, and I don't use them either, they seem so restricting to me... Another thing that I have noticed, is that I have to position the mouthpiece way down the crook to get it in tune, using a guitar tuner for reference.. Lovely sax playing on the tracks that you’ve featured on, by the way.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому

      On some sopranos these days, there is a split key where the high F# key is. The upper key is for High G. Yes I do have it, but I rarely use it-I mostly use the front fingering for the high G. The chunk of metal you referred to is the Klangbogen (made by ReedGeek) and yes it does help with response and intonation. I do have a small bite patch that is built into my mouthpiece. It is not something I attached after the fact. However, on most of my other mouthpieces, I do have bite patches. I don’t care for the thicker black ones, but rather I would go for the thin clear ones. They are not restricting, but they help protect your mouthpiece from your teeth. They can effect vibration, so I would go thin and small as possible. The saxophone is designed for the the mouthpiece to be pushed in a lot. You should check your mouthpiece pitch when you play the mouthpiece alone at a forte level. The pitch should be “C” concert. If you are playing a lot lower, that would be rare, but get as close to the C as possible and then determine the position for the mouthpiece. Most people play too high in the mouthpiece pitch and have to pull out in an unhealthy amount.

  • @bibiboitedalu
    @bibiboitedalu 3 роки тому

    Cool !

  • @pcbroute
    @pcbroute 2 роки тому

    Hello.
    Thank you for your lessons, it's very helpful.
    I see on all of your saxophones you use a metal part (resonator), which fit into neck screw.
    Please tell what is it, and how this part affects on the sound, especially on soprano saxophone?
    Thank you.

    • @pcbroute
      @pcbroute 2 роки тому

      I find answer here )
      Ray Smith Gear Info Video

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  2 роки тому

      Great! Glad you found it!

  • @MrDreeyef
    @MrDreeyef 11 місяців тому

    wonderful tips thank you sir.i have a question what is the sax you are using in this video?

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  11 місяців тому

      It is a Cannonball “Arc” Big Bell Series

  • @smokingblues5067
    @smokingblues5067 2 роки тому +1

    How does it compare with clarinet

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому +1

      Sorry, I just discovered your question. The soprano and clarinet look like they would be the same, but there are big differences in tone production. I have a video on clarinet in Chapter 24 that gives some comparisons and how to deal with it. The chapter on tone production, Chapter 8, I believe also makes some important observations.

  • @jorgepozogomez5456
    @jorgepozogomez5456 3 роки тому

    Very interesting video. Would it be possible to subtitle in Spanish?. Thank’s so much.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      I really wish I had that ability. I will have to look into seeing if I can get some help with that.

  • @medusa210562
    @medusa210562 7 місяців тому

    I am told I play the soprano well and in tune.
    Before all the good information in this excellent video: you need a good mouthpiece and make sure it's pushed in the neck to the right spot.
    My technique is practically to sing in my head what I am going to play .

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  7 місяців тому

      Exactly! To push in adequately, you must be blowing down to a concert C on the mouthpiece alone at a loud level. Then what you are describing about singing the notes in your head is perfect. I call it pre-hearing each note. You have already discovered some very important keys to playing the soprano. Wishing you all the best!

  • @akitikallc6161
    @akitikallc6161 3 роки тому

    Is there one of your videos where you speak more about plastic reeds for soprano...I've tried it on occasion, but never could get comfortable with the results...but it certainly sounds like you have tamed that beast!

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      Thank you! The Legere is the only one I would try to play on classically.

  • @lukeserrano62
    @lukeserrano62 Рік тому

    Ray, do you have any thoughts regarding gurgling around low G? Is driving me insane! Playing a well regulated Yamaha Custom 6 months in after 30 years of alto and tenor playing. Using Selmer Concept mouthpiece and blue box Vandoren reeds.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  11 місяців тому +1

      I am so sorry, Luke. I thought for sure I had responded to your question a while ago, but I don't see it here...? So anyway, as to the gurgling G, this can be a result of several things or a combination of them. I think the most common cause is not having the mouthpiece pushed in far enough on the neck. You may feel sharp and pull the mouthpiece too far out when what you really need to do is change your blowing. Have you checked the pitch of the mouthpiece alone. At a forte level, you should be playing a concert (piano) C. If you are playing a D like most players, you will have to pull out too far and it can cause what you are describing. It could also be caused by a reed that is not sealing on the mouthpiece (see the video on reeds, Chapter 16 part 3) or an embouchure that is too loose and unfocused. Of course, it could be a sealing issue in the instrument itself, but most of the time it is the player. Good Luck solving this. Do realize that you are not the first or only player to encounter this.

    • @lukeserrano62
      @lukeserrano62 10 місяців тому

      Many thanks Ray; I will work on my pitch with mouthpiece alone to get it down to C, as I’m pretty sure it’s the only variable that could be causing the problem. Thanks so much for your video series, you are a treasure trove of wonderful information. I hope to buy your book soon.

  • @ronaldwhite5905
    @ronaldwhite5905 3 роки тому

    What is the name of your group and CD playing the song snowdrift? Just love Soprano.

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +1

      The name of the group is Q'd Up. That tune is on the CD "Zagranitsa". We are about to release on June 11th, two more CDs: Going Places and Dawn Fire Mist.

  • @shirleyfrancis4515
    @shirleyfrancis4515 2 роки тому

    I had no problems with mine.

  • @AlexMantaRay
    @AlexMantaRay 3 роки тому

    Hi Sir, could you give us some hints on how to produce so many overtones? I can't seem to get past the 2nd overtone, I mean the fifth of the root and I have a tendency to squeeze the sound when I do the overtone series...thank you in advance

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому +3

      The higher overtones can be difficult. A couple of things to think about and a thing you can try. It does take a little more pressure on the reed but this can only be done without squeezing the sound if you first pivot your jaw forward so you have more reed in the mouth. Second, it seems to help if the tip of your tongue is close to the tip of the reed but only underneath, not over the top and not touching. You might come through the back door by playing that second octave note as a real note and see if you can keep it when you transfer over to the overtone fingering. Good luck! The main thing is to just keep trying everyday until you discover the right combination.

    • @essouna
      @essouna 3 роки тому

      Thank you very much for the tips Sir. You sound amazing on every sax and your advices are so valuable. What is the new book you are talking about?

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      The new book is The Science and Art of Saxophone Teaching available as a hard copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, etc. and available as a digital copy at the same places and the Apple Store.

  • @JoseGarcia-yk3dl
    @JoseGarcia-yk3dl 3 роки тому

    Hello! I have recently started with alto sax and was wondering if I could alternate it with the soprano, learn both at the same time

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  3 роки тому

      Yes, it is possible. I have had students that alternated alto every other week and soprano on the opposite weeks. In some ways, if you are just beginning, it would be good to really get your feet on the ground with alto before expanding out.

    • @JoseGarcia-yk3dl
      @JoseGarcia-yk3dl 3 роки тому

      @@charlesrsmith7 very thanks!

  • @honoredutrey
    @honoredutrey 3 роки тому +17

    The biggest problem with the soprano saxophone is people saying "it's a difficult instrument".

  • @juliannejohnston5664
    @juliannejohnston5664 Рік тому

    What is yr jazz set up?

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому

      I’m playing on a Jody Jazz DV 6* usually with a 2.5 Legere Signature Reed and a Silverstein Ligature.

  • @hotclubofthemountains3591
    @hotclubofthemountains3591 3 роки тому

    Truth

  • @Lance37a
    @Lance37a 2 роки тому

    Intimidating, I'll stick to alto.

  • @honoredutrey
    @honoredutrey 3 роки тому +1

    Mastering the soprano sax. is no different to mastering any musical instrument.The process is the same -A weekly lesson with a good teacher,and daily practice.

  • @Jaujau933
    @Jaujau933 Рік тому

    Pity too much talk a not enough music 🫤🫤🫤

    • @charlesrsmith7
      @charlesrsmith7  Рік тому +1

      If you want more music, I have a lot of music on my website: www.jazzhangrecords.com
      This is an instructional tutorial.