Freeing Your Breath

The breath is the most fundamental part of playing saxophone. This video shows you ways to free your breath that I have developed over the past 40 years that effectively and easily free your breath to develop a resonant sound. Visit www.saxcoach.org for more exercises and articles on learning saxophone and improvisation.
TheSaxCoach.com is now saxcoach.org!
Steve Duke is a Northern Illinois University Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus. He is known for his creative work in jazz, computer music, and new music, as well as for innovations in learning both jazz and classical styles and applying the Feldenkrais Method to learning music. For more information about Steve visit steveduke.net

[@Stevecollinsclear]

very thought provoking AND helpful. much respect - please do more !

[@barbara2800]

Great video - thank you! ❤❤❤

[@jonniejlo]

Nice one!

[@raulmatos4349]

Thank you 👍

[@507amerta]

Crucial point and great pedagogy. That goes hand in hand with Joe Allard's approach. Thank you, looking forward to your following videos.

[@garymeroff3297]

Great video ! I loved it. I helps to relax and play better ! I look forward to more of your concepts that will help us play better. This may help my endurance which has been a challenge. I think it is from too much tension. Thank you

[@BelloTritone]

Fantastic! Thank you

[@dennis524]

Very helpful video. Not to sound like a total rookie but would you please share your mouthpiece/reed setup. Thanks.

[@saxcoach2131]

I play on a Rampone L1 tenor saxophone with a Aizen SO 7* Selmer Short Shank. My ligature is Silverstein Estro with a Silverstein ALTA Jazz 3-1/2 reed.

[@saxcoach2131]

I am glad that you found the video helpful!

[@dennis524]

Thanks again, Steve.@@saxcoach2131

[@PatrickKizny]

Thanks for sharing this. Do you recommend it as the only way of playing? Or the basic, on top of which you can add controlled pressure, by which I mean primarily engaged core and diaphragm?

[@saxcoach2131]

Great question and one that comes up a lot. There are so many different ways to play. My approach with this video is to help make your play easier instead of teaching how you SHOULD play. If you find the video helpful, then the lesson works for you. Keep playing with it and see what you discover.

[@milobenn]

Thank you - very helpful! If you don't mind, what neckstrap are you wearing? Looks comfortable.

[@saxcoach2131]

I use the BG Brace Yoke strap. Unfortunately, BG recently stopped producing the strap. The other strap that I have used is their regular Yoke. I would like to do a video on neckstraps because of how much they affect our playing and can cause us to use more effort.

[@milobenn]

Thanks very much - a neckstrap video would be awesome. I recently tried a variety -- Hooki, Marmaduke Feather IV, and Breathtaking straps among them. The Hooki and Marmaduke are the top contenders right now, but it'd be great to hear your thoughts on the subject.@@saxcoach2131

[@timtully8015]

I followed your suggestion, but found that I get nothing but air unless I consciously push with my abs (and tighten my embouchure). What am I doing wrong?

[@saxcoach2131]

A lot of players associate tone with pushing, which can develop into a strong habit. Here are some articles on my website that might help you: www.saxcoach.org/home/saxophone/breath/